Domestic violence is one of the leading causes of homelessness among women, particularly for those who have been financially dependent on a partner.
Even as more women enter the workforce and take on the role of primary caregivers, there remains a significant portion of women who are homemakers or have relied on their spouse or partner for financial support. These women are at higher risk of both psychological and physical abuse because the abuser often controls access to money, employment opportunities, and resources, creating a power imbalance.
When a woman decides to leave an abusive relationship, the act of leaving itself can trigger immediate displacement. She may have no independent income, limited access to savings, and no housing of her own. Without financial resources, she may not be able to secure a rental property, afford a security deposit, or pay for utilities. This economic dependency, combined with the need to escape a dangerous environment, often forces women into temporary shelters, transitional housing, or even unsafe living arrangements such as staying with friends or family.
The displacement is compounded when children are involved. Women may feel obligated to prioritize their children’s safety and well-being over stable housing, leading to repeated moves, overcrowded living conditions, or reliance on social services.
Even women who have been employed may face difficulties because domestic violence can leave psychological scars, disrupt their work history, and limit their ability to save money or access affordable housing quickly.
Ultimately, leaving an abusive partner often shifts women from a state of hidden control and abuse to a state of economic vulnerability and housing insecurity. This creates a cycle where women who escape violence may trade one form of danger for another, “homelessness”
The Sacred Shift | Intuitive Guidance With Suzette Lindo 