Dangerous Intersections
Exploring the Connections Between Homelessness, Domestic Violence, and Human Trafficking
Let's start with a fact that won’t shock you: homelessness is a growing problem in the state of Oklahoma.
The National Alliance to End Homelessness estimates that the unhoused population in the state has grown by 15% in the past decade, and their local data isn’t any better — 37% of Tulsa’s homeless population sleeps unsheltered every night. Very little legislative focus is spent on systematically addressing this issue. And while many may not realize it, this startling rise in homelessness has a profound correlation to the work we at The Spring do to create communities free from domestic violence and trafficking.
Advocates for survivors have long been aware of the strong ties between domestic violence and homelessness and the need for holistic solutions to both issues. Victims are often caught between two impossibilities – forced either to stay in an abusive situation or to risk a life without stable housing. To this day, DV is a primary cause of homelessness.
Here are some key facts to remember about the correlations between DV, human trafficking, and homelessness:
Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness.
According to Human Options, a staggering 57% of homeless women attributed domestic violence as the primary reason for their homelessness. This is backed up by the data here in Tulsa. According to Oklahoma Housing Needs, domestic violence survivors make up one of the largest percentages of the homeless population in the city.
Homelessness can significantly increase an individual’s risk of being trafficked.
In a survey of human trafficking survivors conducted by the Polaris Project, 64% reported being homeless or experiencing unstable housing at the time they were recruited into their trafficking situation. The fear and uncertainty that comes with sleeping on the street is a tool used by traffickers to lure people into trafficking situations.
The threat of homelessness can delay DV survivors seeking help.
The simple reality is that when a victim doesn’t have a place to go, they often stay in a dangerous situation. In one study in North Dakota, 44 percent of homeless women reported that they stayed in an abusive relationship at some point in the past two years because they did not have other housing options.
Domestic violence can lead to eviction for survivors – and homelessness.
Historically, landlords have created barriers for domestic violence survivors to find stable housing. Whether it’s by refusing to rent to domestic violence survivors or by adopting “zero tolerance” crime policies – which can end up hurting survivors by evicting them for any criminal complaints – these landlords created situations where women and children ended up without a place to stay.
The threat of homelessness and economic insecurity is a tool for abusers.
As we’ve talked about before, violence is not a series of random acts – it is a deliberate, strategic act on the part of the abuser to exert power and control over their victim. Economic abuse often accompanies this violence – refusing the victim access to funds or a job and creating a financial dependency on the abuser. Thus, many who flee dangerous situations don’t have access to financial support and end up homeless.
Places like The Spring can alleviate some of the burden for survivors, but there’s still a great need for sustainable, long-term housing.
At The Spring, we provide our guests shelter and services entirely free of charge — for a certain span of time. The need for our guests to find long-term living is at the top of the list when we work with them on their goals and future planning. Often times, this isn’t easy. According to Oklahoma Housing Needs, there is a severe shortage of long-term housing options in Tulsa County. They recommend diverting more public funds to these initiatives immediately.
You can make a difference for survivors! When you support sustainable, long-term living for Tulsa’s homeless population – and not criminalization – you're supporting those who’ve experienced domestic violence. Donating to domestic violence shelters like The Spring can also make a huge difference, especially as we plan our own initiatives to increase long-term living options in the coming years.
Thank you for your support for those in our care, and for the vulnerable in our community. We are better together!
If you or someone you know needs help escaping domestic violence, please dial 911 or call our 24/7 hotline at 918-245-4075. You can also consider joining the fight against DV in Oklahoma by donating or exploring volunteer opportunities.