The intersection of domestic violence and homelessness for mothers with children is well documented. The Federal Administration for Children and Families reports that more than 80 percent of mothers experiencing homelessness present with a history of domestic violence.

To protect their families, mothers flee their homes with kids in tow, a few bags, and limited financial resources. In pursuit of safety, they become entrapped in a cycle of homelessness. We now know that we can’t end family homelessness without addressing domestic violence.

The National Network to End Domestic Violence identifies access to safe, affordable housing, confidentiality, and financial resources as the most pressing needs for women planning to leave or who have left their abusers.

Until recently, families experiencing homelessness and survivors of domestic violence were perceived as two distinct populations. As a result, systems serving these families operate on parallel paths. Emergency domestic violence shelters generally provide short-term stays, safety planning, legal services, and advocacy for survivors. Homeless providers target services necessary to access and maintain permanent housing. They don’t knowingly accept domestic violence survivors because they are not sufficiently trained to address confidentiality issues and the threat of violence posed by abusers. We now know – based on research – they are identical populations.

Addressing domestic violence as a root cause is key to preventing and ending family homelessness. Committing sufficient resources to prevention, safe housing, services, and policy initiatives will bring both ethical and economic results.