Report on Domestic Violence in Hawaiʻi and its Impact on Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

Domestic violence (DV) represents a significant public health and human rights crisis in Hawaiʻi, undermining progress toward several key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As Domestic Violence Awareness Month commences, the nonprofit organization Child & Family Service (CFS) is highlighting the pervasive nature of this issue and the critical need for community-wide intervention. This report analyzes the scope of domestic violence in the state, the response mechanisms in place, and the challenges to achieving a safe and equitable society, framed within the context of the SDGs.

The Scope of the Crisis: A Barrier to Sustainable Development

Statistical Overview

Data from the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health and the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) reveal the extent of intimate partner violence (IPV), which directly impedes social and economic stability.

• State-Level Data (Hawaiʻi):
  • One in five adults (20%) has experienced physical violence or intimidation from a partner in the last five years.
  • 20% of adults report experiencing coercive control.
  • In Fiscal Year 2025, CFS shelters noted a 3% increase in hotline calls, indicating a rising demand for crisis intervention services.
• National-Level Data (U.S.):
  • One in three women and one in four men experience physical abuse by an intimate partner.
  • The presence of a firearm in a domestic violence situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

The prevalence of domestic violence in Hawaiʻi directly contravenes the principles of several SDGs:

• SDG 5: Gender Equality: Domestic violence is a profound manifestation of gender inequality, disproportionately affecting women and serving as a major obstacle to their empowerment and full participation in society.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being: The physical, psychological, and sexual violence inherent in DV leads to severe short- and long-term health consequences for survivors and their children, placing a strain on public health systems.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: The crisis undermines the goal of creating peaceful and inclusive societies by perpetuating a cycle of violence within families and communities. It highlights the need for accessible justice and strong, supportive institutions for survivors.

Statewide Response and Support Systems

Comprehensive Services by Child & Family Service (CFS)

As a leading service provider, CFS offers a trauma-informed network of programs designed to support survivors and contribute to community safety and resilience, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

• Emergency Shelters & Transitional Housing: CFS operates a statewide system, coordinating with over 160 community partners to provide streamlined access to safety for survivors across all islands.
• 24/7 Availability: Critical support services are accessible around the clock on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi Island, Maui, Molokaʻi, and Kauaʻi.
• Pet-Friendly Shelters: Recognizing that pets can be a barrier to leaving an abusive situation, CFS provides pet-inclusive shelter options, ensuring all family members can find safety.

Challenges and Resource Gaps

Increased Demand and Stagnant Funding

A significant challenge is the growing demand for DV services, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated risk factors such as stress and isolation. CFS CEO Amanda Pump notes that while demand has surged, funding for domestic violence programs has remained largely stagnant for over a decade. This resource deficit creates a critical gap between the needs of the community and the capacity of service providers.

Implications for SDG Achievement

The lack of sufficient resources directly hinders progress toward the SDGs. Without adequate funding for shelters, legal services, and preventative education, the state cannot effectively advance:

• SDG 5: By failing to provide comprehensive support for survivors, systemic gender inequality is perpetuated.
• SDG 3: The health and well-being of a significant portion of the population remain at risk.
• SDG 16: The goal of ensuring justice and building peaceful communities is compromised.

Call to Action and Available Resources

Collective Responsibility

Addressing domestic violence is identified as a collective responsibility essential for breaking intergenerational cycles of violence. Public awareness, education, and support for community-based organizations are crucial components of a comprehensive strategy.

Statewide Support Hotlines

Immediate, confidential support is available for individuals experiencing domestic violence:

• Maui (Women Helping Women): 808-579-9581
• Oʻahu: 808-841-0822
• West Hawaiʻi Island: 808-322-7233
• East Hawaiʻi Island: 808-959-8864
• Kauaʻi (YWCA): 808-245-6362
• Molokaʻi: 808-567-6888
• National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | Text “START” to 88788

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

  The article addresses the physical and psychological harm caused by domestic violence. It discusses “physical and sexual violence to psychological abuse,” which directly impacts the health and well-being of survivors. The provision of services by Child & Family Service (CFS) to promote “healing” and support mental health aligns with this goal.

• SDG 5: Gender Equality

  This goal is central to the article’s theme. Domestic violence, or intimate partner violence (IPV), is a key issue targeted by SDG 5. The article highlights the prevalence of violence against both women and men (“One in three women and one in four men experience physical abuse”) within the private sphere, which is a primary focus of this goal’s aim to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls.

• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

  The article’s focus on providing “Statewide Emergency Shelters & Transitional Housing” for survivors of domestic violence connects directly to SDG 11. This goal aims to ensure access to safe and adequate housing for all, and these shelters provide a critical safety net for vulnerable individuals and families fleeing abusive situations, making communities safer and more inclusive.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

  Domestic violence is a fundamental breach of peace and security. The article’s call to “break the cycle” of violence and its reference to the increased “risk of homicide by 500%” in DV situations directly relate to the goal of reducing all forms of violence. The work of CFS as an institution providing support and services contributes to building a more just and peaceful society.

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

  The article illustrates the importance of partnerships. It mentions that CFS, a non-profit, “partners with over 160 community-based organizations” to support survivors. Furthermore, the call for community donations to sustain services because “funding for domestic violence programs has remained largely stagnant” highlights the need for public-private and civil society partnerships to achieve the goals.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

   • Target 3.4: Promote mental health and well-being. The article discusses the “lasting impacts on survivors” and the various forms of abuse, including “psychological abuse and coercive control.” The services provided by CFS, which aim for “promoting healing,” directly contribute to this target by addressing the severe mental health consequences of domestic violence.

2. SDG 5: Gender Equality

   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres. This is the most directly relevant target. The entire article is focused on domestic violence, a form of violence occurring in the private sphere. Statistics like “One in five adults report experiencing physical violence or intimidation by a partner” define the problem this target seeks to eliminate.

3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services. The article explicitly mentions the provision of “Statewide Emergency Shelters & Transitional Housing” by CFS. These services are a direct response to the need for safe housing for survivors fleeing violence, aligning perfectly with this target.

4. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The article’s data on physical abuse (“18% report experiencing physical violence”) and the stark warning that “The presence of a firearm in a DV situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%” directly address the reduction of violence and related deaths.
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children. The article notes that domestic violence leaves “lasting impacts on survivors, families and children” and that CFS helps families address “abuse and neglect.” The mention of “larger family groups seeking safety” implies that children are being moved out of violent homes, which is a direct action toward this target.

5. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships. The article describes how CFS, a civil society organization, “partners with over 160 community-based organizations” and relies on community donations to function. This model of collaboration is exactly what Target 17.17 promotes.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. For Target 5.2 (Eliminate violence against women and girls) and Target 16.1 (Reduce all forms of violence)

   • The article provides direct statistical data that can be used as indicators for the prevalence of intimate partner violence. These align with official indicators like 5.2.1 (Proportion of ever-partnered women subjected to violence) and 16.1.3 (Proportion of population subjected to violence).
     • “One in five adults report experiencing physical violence or intimidation by a partner in the past five years.”
     • “18% report experiencing physical violence.”
     • “20% report coercive control.”
     • “13% report experiencing IPV in their lifetime.”

2. For Target 11.1 (Ensure access to safe housing)

   • The article provides data on the demand for and use of shelters, which can serve as proxy indicators for the need for safe housing for vulnerable populations.
     • “CFS shelters experienced a 17% decrease in occupancy but a 3% increase in hotline calls — indicating longer shelter stays and larger family groups seeking safety.”
     • “25 hotline callers per month request pet-friendly shelter space.”

3. For Target 16.1 (Reduce related death rates)

   • While not a direct rate, the article provides an indicator of risk related to violence and death rates, which is relevant to measuring progress in reducing homicides. This relates to indicator 16.1.1 (Number of victims of intentional homicide).
     • “The presence of a firearm in a DV situation increases the risk of homicide by 500%.”

4. SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

Source: mauinow.com