Domestic violence has been on the rise during the pandemic. There is a shortage of permanent housing for those looking to get out of an abusive situation. There are fewer than 40 permanent housing facilities for survivors of domestic violence in the entire US.
Town Clock Community Development Corp. in New Brunswick operates the largest such facility in NJ. Susan Kramer-Mills is the executive director. She said women need a place to go to escape abuse and there just aren’t enough of them.
“The moment they decide to make the change for themselves, all the doors start opening up in their lives, things change, they go back to school, they go back to get certified, they find jobs, they really make a determination that I don’t want to be going back to that,” she said.
Kramer-Mills said the first step in making a break, a shelter, may not be for everyone, but it is necessary.
“It gives them time, a break from the direct situation to see whether this is really for them, in general, they take seven times leaving for them to finally cut the cords,” she said.
Kramer-Mills said the demographics of survivors have changed.
“Immigrants who don’t necessarily have a connection in this state, they don’t have family, even in this country, they’re the ones who are landing here,” she said.
Experts say a third of women have experienced domestic violence, and that children of domestic violence are six times more likely to commit suicide.