What Effect Does Domestic Violence Have on Homeless NYC Students?

 

Effect of Domestic Violence on Homeless NYC Students

Photo Credit: BUddhika - stock.adobe.com

Though not exclusive to the United States, domestic violence pervades every stratum of American society, crossing age, ethnic, socioeconomic, religious and other boundaries. Given the exact wrong set of circumstances, anybody can become a victim. In fact, in New York City, domestic violence has been the leading cause of homelessness for families with minor children for the past eight years. This blog post will explore the effect domestic violence has on homeless NYC students as well as potential solutions. 

How Many Homeless NYC Students Have Experienced Domestic Violence? 

Though the exact number fluctuates with the given fiscal year, approximately 40 percent of families with children who have entered a Department of Homeless Services (DHS) shelter report domestic violence as the cause of their homelessness. [1] As of March 16, 2025, 18,135 families resided in one of our city’s shelters. [2] This equates to roughly 7,254 families fleeing domestic violence. However, the true number may very well extend into the tens of thousands when we take into account the families who have not entered the shelter system and instead reside in public spaces, doubled up in facilities they don’t own and other unstable living situations, meaning tens of thousands of school-aged New York children live with the twin burdens of homelessness and domestic violence. 

How Does Domestic Violence Affect Homeless NYC Students?

The consequences of domestic violence linger long after bruises, cuts and broken bones heal. If left untreated, they could disrupt the rest of a survivor’s life. This is especially true of children and young adults. As a result of the violence they experienced or witnessed, they are more likely to develop emotional and behavioral problems, experience or participate in emotional or physical abuse themselves and struggle in school. [3] Even when they escape this brutality with a parent survivor, the confluence of these conditions often erode a young person’s ability to learn due to the following: 

  • Poor nutrition 
  • Inadequate health care 
  • Health problems stemming from overcrowded and communal living arrangements
  • Increased incidence of other health impairments
  • Higher exposure to violence, and
  • Severe emotional stress

How Do You Help Homeless Students Experiencing Domestic Violence? 

The first, most basic step you can take to help a family suffering from domestic violence is by, in some way, facilitating their escape from the situation. To start with, you might share information about shelters and other resources, such as those found through this directory. 

Of course, leaving a violent situation is only the beginning of a family’s journey. Abusers will use every means at their disposal, including financial manipulation and the family court system. Because many abusers withhold money, force victims into non-consensual, deleterious credit-based transactions and other financial abuse, survivors tend to have poor credit and little or no funds. Thankfully, survivors may receive free legal aid from The Legal Aid Society and Legal Services NYC. 

You and as many volunteers as you can summon may also consider lobbying the city government to adopt the following common sense policies for domestic violence survivors: 

  • Expand access to homeless set-asides 
  • Open up city-funded supportive housing 
  • Adequately fund flexible funding 

Finally, to break this destructive cycle permanently, we suggest you advise homeless students and their families of their rights under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. 

Those experiencing domestic violence may not realize it, but countless people want them to flourish in safe, nurturing environments. Mentor A Promise and its network of partner organizations stands ready to help. 

Contact Mentor A Promise Today 

Our organization recognizes the immense potential within each individual and seeks to provide them with the educational resources and opportunities they need to thrive. To that end, we have built a strong network of family shelters, educational institutions and community organizations to support homeless children, youths and their families. Click these links to learn more about what we offer or to get involved. Together, we can break the cycle of homelessness. 


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