Journal of Family Violence (2025)
Authors: Kaitlyn M. Sims, Mariel J. Barnes & Kate L. Walsh
Abstract:
Purpose
Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF) prioritizes removing survivors’ immediate barriers to safe and stable housing via unconditional and flexible financial assistance to reduce exposure to violence, increase stability, and improve physical and mental health. The current study sought to understand how DV service providers implement DVHF.
Methods
This study conducted reflexive thematic analysis on 37.5 h of in-person interview data from nine DV organizations located in a single midwestern state. These service providers were all funded by the same mechanism to implement DVHF at their sites. Interviews with providers occurred across two time periods twelve months apart.
Results
Thematic analysis revealed that sites faced challenges to DVHF implementation, including adapting and changing their budgeting mindsets and how they perceived clients; appropriately staffing and training to implement DVHF; and coping with local and community limitations and challenges.
Conclusions
DVHF remains a powerful tool to support survivors of violence, but implementation can be more complicated and demanding than anticipated. Funders and policymakers should be prepared to support grantees in implementing and administering new HF programs.