Domestic violence shelters often rely on grants and private donations; unfortunately, there are times when grants and donations are not enough to meet their current needs. Lack of funding and resources often results in victims being turned away from the shelters with nowhere to go but the streets.

Domestic Violence and PTSD

A study done by Nixon, Resick, and Nishith (2004) discovered 75% of domestic violence victims in their study were diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder). According to the Mayo Clinic, PTSD is sparked by “exposure to an event that involved or held the threat of death, violence, or serious injury.” According to the National Center on PTSD, due to women’s higher likelihood of experiencing trauma, including domestic violence.
Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3381987/

Domestic Violence and Unemployment

A 2005 national telephone poll of 1,200 working adults found that 64 percent of those who identified as victims of domestic violence reported that their ability to work was affected by the violence. Constant distraction and fear of abuser’s intrusions at work make it difficult for victims to concentrate and perform their job duties. 12 Nearly all (96 percent) of 120 employed women IPV survivors surveyed by the Maine Department of Labor indicated that abuse affected their performance and productivity, including being constantly harassed at work, delayed getting to work, or prevented from going to work. As a result, 60 percent of victims in the study reported having either quit their job or being terminated as a result of the abuse.

Source: Department of Health and Human Services; Administration for Children and Families; Administration on Children, Youth, and Families. Domestic Violence Services 2010; Family Violence Prevention and Services Act Grantees Data Report (2010).