Denby Fawcett: How Domestic Violence Can Lead To Homelessness The link is clear but the connection is often overlooked by policymakers trying to end homelessness. By Denby Fawcett / October 24, 2017
Danielle Tavares-Lopes knows firsthand how domestic abuse can lead to homelessness even for a hard-working high school graduate like herself. She is not alone. Community groups counseling domestic violence victims say dozens of women and children are driven into homelessness each year when they are forced to flee from their homes with no place to go to escape physical harm or even death. Nanci Kreidman, who heads the Domestic Violence Action Center, says policymakers and community providers generally overlook domestic violence as one of the causes of homelessness, focusing instead on poverty, mental illness and drug abuse. “For solutions to homelessness to be effective,” she says, “all the causes have to be considered including family violence and the particular attention that must be paid to address abuse victims’ fears and their need to get into safe housing quickly. On Monday, Kreidman, policymakers and community leaders met at the Plaza Club at a conference called “True Nexus: Domestic Violence is Cause of Houselessness” to consider how to forge stronger alliances between homeless care providers and groups helping domestic violence survivors. Danielle Tavares-Lopes’ story illustrates how even a gainfully employed adult when faced with a partner’s drug-fueled domestic violence can end up homeless. Danielle once was employed as baker, creating brownies, macaroons and cakes for parties at a popular bakery in Waianae. “It was something I had a real passion for, working in the bakery. It was something that brought me real joy. I love my kids but going to work was also kind of a relief. I looked forward to each day,” she said.