Wellness iconPilot Addresses Housing Challenges for Domestic Abuse Survivors

In Wisconsin, the threat of homelessness remains a significant barrier for families attempting to escape domestic abuse. While emergency domestic abuse shelters – a common and critical mechanism for providing immediate shelter – are located throughout the state, they are often at capacity, and spaces are extremely limited. This challenge has been intensified by the increased violence associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. To address this, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) has taken a proactive approach to creating safety for survivors.

Domestic Violence Housing First Pilot Project

The Domestic Violence Housing First Pilot Project (DVHF) is an evidence-based and trauma-informed practice that moves domestic abuse survivors into safe, stable and permanent housing as quickly as possible, reducing or avoiding the need for emergency shelter. Once housed, survivors have access to supportive, holistic advocacy resources to rebuild their lives. This pilot project started in December 2021, with DCF issuing awards to nine domestic abuse agencies from around the state: 

  • Embrace (Ladysmith),
  • Cia Siab (La Crosse), 
  • The Family Center (Wisconsin Rapids), 
  • Safe Harbor (Sheboygan), 
  • Harbor House (Appleton), 
  • Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (Madison), 
  • The Women’s Community (Wausau), 
  • Center Against Sexual and Domestic Abuse (Superior), and 
  • The Milwaukee Center for Children and Youth (Milwaukee). 

Safe and secure housing is one of the most critical needs for domestic abuse survivors. Indeed, survivors self-identify stable housing and the resources to maintain stable housing as one of their most pressing needs. At the same time, limited funding combined with serious housing shortages have made it challenging for domestic abuse programs throughout the state to provide adequate housing services and assistance to their clients. 

The DVHF pilot program is designed to address these housing challenges and allows providers to trial and implement innovative and unique solutions consistent with the DVHF philosophy. The aim of flexible financial assistance is to reduce any type of barrier faced by a domestic abuse survivor in acquiring safe and stable housing. This project will be administered through December 31, 2025. 

Research to Assess the Effectiveness of the DVHF Approach

In implementing DVHF in Wisconsin, DCF contracted with the University of Wisconsin-Madison to evaluate the effectiveness of the pilot sites’ implementation of DVHF on the lives of survivors, including those from previously understudied communities.

As of December 2023, 64 participants completed the baseline assessment in full (including 8 Hmong participants who completed the survey via verbal interview).

Preliminary findings include:

  • More than 50% of survivors surveyed reported a decrease in exposure to violence. 
  • The average amount of money distributed to survivors was $995 and the median amount was $724.
  • Most of the respondents are women with children; more than 40% of women report having a disability.
  • The largest funding categories were: 1.) rent and security deposit, 2.) personal transportation and vehicle maintenance and 3.) utilities.