New Tools to Keep California Domestic Violence Survivors Housed

Sustainable Development Goals and Domestic Violence Survivors in California

Introduction

Jesica Giannola, a domestic violence survivor and women’s rights activist from Chico, shared the story of a friend who struggled to find housing due to her bad credit history. This friend, a mother of two who had experienced intimate partner abuse and lost her home in the 2018 Paradise fire, is currently living in government-funded transitional housing. However, she has been unable to secure long-term housing and her federally subsidized housing voucher is set to expire in June. Many domestic violence survivors face homelessness and may avoid emergency shelters due to safety concerns.

California Reform to Assist Survivors

A recent reform in California prohibits landlords of apartments that accept government rent subsidies from using credit history as a factor in the application process. Instead, prospective tenants can provide alternative evidence of their ability to pay, such as pay stubs or bank records. While this change does not specifically focus on domestic violence victims, it can greatly benefit abused women who may have poor credit or financial instability due to their abusive relationships.

Research on Homelessness and Domestic Violence

A statewide study conducted by the UCSF Benioff Homelessness and Housing Initiative surveyed over 3,200 adults experiencing homelessness in California. The study found that nearly two-thirds of respondents faced difficulties in finding housing due to poor credit or eviction history, often resulting from domestic violence. It also revealed that one in five unhoused women fled their homes to escape violence, with over 40% continuing to experience violence after leaving. The shortage of domestic violence shelters exposes women to additional violence in homeless encampments.

Challenges and Policy Recommendations

Advocates for women’s and children’s rights express concerns about the lack of progress in addressing these issues due to California’s anticipated budget shortfall. The state is facing a significant reduction in federal support through the Victims of Crime Act, which funds service providers working with domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse cases. The report recommends policy changes such as increasing the number of domestic violence shelters, improving coordination between shelter and social service intake systems, and ensuring access to permanent housing.

Other Reforms and Local Initiatives

In addition to the recent reform prohibiting landlords from using credit history, two other state laws passed last year could benefit domestic violence survivors in accessing affordable housing. The Safe and Inclusive Housing Act bans crime-free housing ordinances and nuisance laws that allowed landlords to exclude or evict tenants with criminal histories. Assembly Bill 12 caps security deposits at one month’s rent, providing relief for survivors who may struggle to afford high upfront costs. Local initiatives, such as San Francisco’s affordable housing bond measure, also allocate funds specifically for domestic violence survivors.

Conclusion

Domestic violence survivors face numerous challenges in accessing safe and affordable housing. The recent reform in California to prohibit landlords from using credit history is a step towards addressing this issue. However, additional policy changes, increased funding, and supportive services are necessary to ensure the well-being and stability of survivors. By providing survivors with safe housing, the cycle of violence can be broken, contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 1: No Poverty

• Target 1.1: By 2030, eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere
• Indicator 1.1.2: Proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty lines

• Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
• Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions (pharmacological, psychosocial, and rehabilitation and aftercare services) for substance use disorders

• Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation
• Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months

• Target 10.2: By 2030, empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all, irrespective of age, sex, disability, race, ethnicity, origin, religion, or economic or other status
• Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income, by age, sex, and persons with disabilities

• Target 11.1: By 2030, ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing and basic services and upgrade slums
• Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing

• Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere
• Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population, by sex and age

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

The following SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article:

– SDG 1: No Poverty
– SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
– SDG 5: Gender Equality
– SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
– SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
– SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

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

Based on the article’s content, the following specific targets can be identified:

– Target 1.1: Eradicate extreme poverty for all people everywhere
– Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse
– Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls
– Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic, and political inclusion of all
– Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe, and affordable housing
– Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates

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

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

– Indicator 1.1.2: Proportion of men, women, and children of all ages living in poverty lines
– Indicator 3.5.1: Coverage of treatment interventions for substance use disorders
– Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls subjected to violence by an intimate partner
– Indicator 10.2.1: Proportion of people living below 50 percent of median income
– Indicator 11.1.1: Proportion of urban population living in slums, informal settlements, or inadequate housing
– Indicator 16.1.1: Number of victims of intentional homicide per 100,000 population

4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators