Every Domestic Violence Survivor Deserves Safe Housing

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the Legal Clinic is proud to join the DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCAADV) and others in honoring victims and survivors of domestic violence for the 8th annual observance of Purple Thursday.

Domestic violence is the second most frequently stated cause of homelessness for families, and one in four women in DC will experience domestic violence during her lifetime. According to the 2013 Point in Time Survey, 31.4% of adults in families and 10.2% of unaccompanied single persons who are homeless in the District have experienced domestic violence, and 10.9% of adults in families are homeless directly as a result of domestic violence.

Access to emergency shelter and housing are crucial to keep survivors safe, but far too often, we see victims who are unable to find assistance and face the prospect of returning to abusers because there is no space in the District’s shelter system or housing programs. We urge the DC government to stand with survivors by investing in enough housing and shelter programs to ensure that every child, woman, and man has a safe place to go when fleeing domestic violence.

Check out these photos to see us show our solidarity with survivors today in a slightly sillier way.

: There’s no disguising our passion for justice!

: Our fearless administrative assistant LaJuan Brooks fights for our clients’ rights every day.

: We came prepared!

: Even the youngest member of the WLCH team knows that violence is never ok.

: Happy Purple Thursday!

About Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless

The Washington Legal Clinic for the Homeless envisions a just and inclusive community for all residents of the District of Columbia, where housing is a human right and where every individual and family has equal access to the resources they need to thrive. Our mission is to use the law to make justice a reality for our neighbors who struggle with homelessness and poverty. Combining community lawyering and advocacy to achieve our clients’ goals, our expert staff and network of volunteer attorneys provide low barrier, comprehensive legal services at intake sites throughout the District of Columbia, helping our clients to access housing, shelter, and life-saving services. Rooted in the experiences of this client work, we effectively blend system reform efforts, policy advocacy, community education and client engagement to advocate for long term improvements in local and federal programs that serve the low- and no-income community.

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