According to the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey (NISVS) report, nearly 10 million people in the U.S. experienced physical violence by an intimate partner in 2010. According to the U.S. Conference of Mayors, in 2008, 28 percent of U.S. families were homeless because of domestic violence and 39 percent of U.S. cities cited domestic violence as the primary cause of family homelessness. The U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH) has established the goal of preventing and ending homelessness among families, youth, and children by 2020.
“Domestic violence is a primary cause of family homelessness because many victims leave their homes to pursue safety,” said Commissioner Rafael López of HHS’ Administration on Children, Youth and Families. “Victims of domestic violence need housing options that meet their immediate and long-term needs. This interagency consortium will help us marshal federal resources to address domestic violence.”
