These survivors make up 12% of New Jersey’s homeless population

Sometimes escaping an abusive relationship requires embracing a scenario with limited options and financial resources.

Domestic violence survivors make up nearly 12% of New Jersey’s homeless population, counted each year through an in-depth survey of shelters and streets, advocates say.

Domestic violence is considered a leading cause of homelessness among women and children in the Garden State and across the country.

“Being homeless is a huge deterrent to leaving an abusive home,” said Julye Myner, director and CEO of the Center for Hope & Safety in Bergen County.

Advocates estimate that more than a third of all domestic violence victims will become homeless at some point in their lives. Of the 12,680 people counted as homeless in a January 2024 survey, nearly 1,500 were victims of domestic violence.

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Myner said many victims don’t have the option of simply moving into a home with family members or friends, especially because the perpetrator would know where to find them.

Because most cases of domestic violence also involve some form of financial abuse – for example, controlling the victim’s access to money – victims could end up without financial security. Whether financial abuse is part of the problem or not, a victim is likely leaving another source of income by escaping their abuser.

“It’s really, really hard for a mother and her children to afford an apartment the size they need on a single income,” Myner said.

Myner said this issue highlights just one reason why New Jersey needs more affordable housing.

The demand for services tends to increase after the holiday season. The survivors just want to get through the season and then make a change.

There is at least one domestic violence support organization in every New Jersey county.

Individuals can call the National Domestic Violence Helpline at 800-799-7233 to find out about services in your region.

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