2008 National Census of Domestic Violence Services Released
Posted by Kelsey P. on February 11, 2009
On September 17, 2008, 1,553 out of 2,000 domestic violence programs (PWCL included) participated in the 2008 National Census of Domestic Violence Services. This program of the National Network to End Domestic Violence provides a One Day Count of domestic violence services provided in the United States and Territories.
Nationally, 60,799 survivors were served in one day. 30,433 found a safe place in domestic violence shelter or transitional housing programs. 21,683 hotline calls were answered that day - more than 14 calls every minute. 30,210 people attended 1,455 training sessions provided by domestic violence programs, gaining information about domestic violence prevention and early intervention.
There were 8,927 unmet requests for services in one day. Over 50% of these unmet requests were from survivors seeking emergency shelter or transitional housing.
Not surprisingly, lack of staffing was indicated as a significant reason that programs could not meet the needs of domestic violence survivors. 70% of programs have less than 20 paid staff, including 38% with less than 10 paid staff. The average starting salary for a full-time, salaried front-line advocate is $24,765 - which is certainly not a “livable wage” in any state of our nation.
In Oregon, 1,277 survivors were served in one day. Oregon’s statistics mirrored the National count, although the unmet request for emergency shelter or transitional housing was 75% in comparison to a national average of 50%. Read more about Oregon’s stats here (Adobe Acrobat required).
One participant provided feedback that is true for PWCL and the survivors we work with as well:
Survivors in our community come to us with the hope that we can help with financial problems, such as rent, court fees, etc. We don’t have the resources to help and after calling other agencies in the area, no funding is available elsewhere. More and more women and children are living on the street. It is very frustrating.
Please support PWCL’s vital services in our community by making a gift today. As this survey shows us, every dollar is needed and every dollar makes a difference.