We all have a lot of advocacy to do to ensure that all community members -- including survivors of domestic violence -- have the opportunity to live in a safe, healthy, affordable home. To inspire you to take action, we're sharing a moving post by Firesteel's first advocacy intern, Carissa Daniels. A survivor of domestic violence who experienced homelessness with her daughter, Carissa is now a strong voice for ending domestic violence and its devastating effects.
Domestic Violence
Abuse or Homelessness: An Impossible Choice
Domestic violence survivors may stay or return to an abusive relationship for many reasons, but the number one reason is that they lack economic resources or other viable options. Our new video, the second of four we're sharing this month, explains how abusers use finances to trap their partners, in many cases forcing them to make an impossible choice between abuse and homelessness. It's up to all of us to end domestic violence and its devastating effects on women and children; find out what you can do to help.
Did You Know Domestic Violence Is a Leading Cause of Family Homelessness?
For Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we've made four new videos sharing information about domestic violence and its connection to family homelessness. Starting today and continuing each Thursday through Oct. 29, we'll post a new video on our blog and on our Facebook page. We invite you to share these videos with your social networks, explore further resources, and take action to end domestic violence.
Domestic Violence Survivor’s Story Is All Too Common
In the newest StoryCorps "Finding Our Way" story to hit the KUOW airwaves, a Seattle mom talks about her experiences with domestic violence and homelessness. Our advocacy coordinator invited YWCA advocates who help survivors of domestic violence to listen to the story and share their reflections. Their insights -- like the fact that there are more shelters for dogs than for women in Washington -- may surprise you.
Stand Against Racism: Stereotypes Put Domestic Violence Survivors in Danger
At a weekly support group for African-American survivors of domestic violence, the facilitator once asked the women why they were reluctant to report domestic violence to police. Among the many reasons was that the women feared being blamed for the domestic violence situation. As the case of Marissa Alexander shows, they have good reason to be afraid.