How we did it: Data on domestic violence and housing

To understand the impact of domestic violence on women’s housing stability, the Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Team surveyed 150 women from July through October 2024 across eleven women’s daytime and overnight shelters throughout the Pacific Northwest. Shelters included: Rose Haven in Portland, Rahab’s Sisters in Portland, Blanchet House in Portland, Simonka Place in Salem, Angeline’s Day Center in Seattle, Cultivate Initiatives in Portland, Catholic Charities in Portland, PDX Saints Love in Portland, Elizabeth Gregory Home in Seattle, Women at the Well Grace House in Salem, and Mary’s Place in Seattle. 

The survey questions were created after conducting listening sessions at Rose Haven, a women’s day shelter in Portland, Oregon. During those sessions, guests anonymously talked with the reporter about their experiences with homelessness, gender-based violence and accessing supportive services. The listening sessions informed the creation of survey questions, and then research and subject matter experts were consulted before finalizing the questions. The experts included Liz Starke at Rose Haven, Sybil Hebb at Oregon Law Center and John Horvick at DHM Research.

The surveys were anonymous and voluntary. The reporter offered snacks and crafts to ease the traumatic impact of talking through their lived experiences. Survey participants were not paid for their participation, but all women at the shelters could take snacks and make bracelets or keychains even if they didn’t participate in the survey.

WHAT WE FOUND:

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Nicole Hayden is an investigative journalist on the Lee Enterprises Public Service Journalism Team. Do you have a domestic violence, restraining order, housing or related legal story you believe needs to be investigated? Contact Nicole at Nicole.Hayden@lee.net.