© 2024 KALW 91.7 FM Bay Area
KALW Public Media / 91.7 FM Bay Area
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
State of the Bay

Domestic Violence in the Economic Downturn

 

Host: Joseph Pace

Producer: Lisa Denenmark

Widespread, long-term unemployment continues to strain California’s social systems. Underfunded and stretched to the limit amid increased need, Bay Area women's shelters are turning away women and children.

Victims of domestic violence are staying longer in abusive relationships, where, according to some reports, the violence is more frequent and more severe. Among those survivors, 34 percent will become homeless, in a climate where competition is rife for scarce public and affordable housing.

And there's good news, too. San Francisco does better than most cities in responding to domestic violence and providing resources, and Gov. Jerry Brown did not cut funding when he released his latest budget.

Carla Harris, Shelter Director, Emergency Shelter Program, Hayward.

Minouche Kandel, Staff Attorney, Bay Area Legal Aid