An Integrative Literature Review of How Domestic Violence Impacts Women’s Homelessness

This integrative literature review explores how domestic violence (DV) leads to homelessness among women, the effects of this on survivors, and the long-term services that promote resilience. Drawing on 41 Australian and international peer-reviewed and grey literature sources, the review identifies pathways of housing loss through economic coercion, safety threats, and actions from abusers that can prevent women from acquiring stable housing. Homeless DV survivors experience heightened trauma, poor mental health, and barriers to help-seeking. The evidence highlights the effectiveness of empowerment-based casework, safe-at-home programs, rental subsidies, and flexible funding in fostering resiliency. Based on these findings, policy recommendations focus on DV education before separation, as well as housing projects that are integrated with survivor-centred support services to prevent homelessness and promote recovery.Keywords: domestic violence, women, intimate partner violence, homelessness, economic coercion, housing services, Australia