VAWnet News Blog

Immigrant survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, stalking, and human trafficking face unique challenges when accessing and maintaining safe housing, many of which have been exacerbated by COVID-19. Here, we clarify some misconceptions about immigrant survivors’ eligibility for housing and homeless assistance, as well as provide resources and tools with more detailed information supporting advocacy on behalf of immigrant survivors.

As COVID-19 continues to spread across the world, advocates and survivors are battling the intersecting pandemics of domestic violence and COVID-19. In our September TAQ, Mildred D. Muhammad outlines strategies for advocates to help survivors navigate safety planning.

This TAQ explores 3 key strategies for furthering the prevention of sexual and domestic violence through economic justice. Brooke Ophardt, Cierra Bryant, and Nikki Kress offer their unique voices in 3 parts, connecting their own experiences to the importance of developing and promoting 1) microloans, 2) lactation policies to support breast/chest feeding, and 3) economic security and equal pay policies as sustainable economic justice strategies to dismantle power-based violence.

While the first priority must always be safety and support for survivors, faith leaders are also charged with the spiritual care of those who abuse. In our July TAQ, Dr. Anne Marie Hunter and Dr. David Adams offer insight into how faith communities can respond to those who cause harm.

As advocates and preventionists, we often name safety, healing, and prevention as both our priorities and core values. We want to center these things, not only for survivors of gender-based violence but for all communities. Those conversations around what actually keeps us safe, what actually allows survivors and communities to heal and thrive, and what will actually end violence, need to address the inadequacies and harm inherent in incarceration and policing.

In 2014, the Indiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence joined with other state domestic and sexual violence coalitions and national partners in exploratory conversations about the nature and future of our work. This TAQ explores ICADV's findings and next steps.