Nebraska proposal would fund housing for domestic abuse survivors
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The Nebraska Legislature is considering a bill that would provide nearly $1 million to help survivors of domestic abuse and sex trafficking pay for emergency housing.
Recent research shows that 1.4 million Nebraskans have reported some form of domestic or sexual violence in their lifetimes.
Jo Bair, executive director of the Encourage Advocacy Center in Hastings, said lack of access to safe and affordable housing is a primary barrier for survivors of sex trafficking and intimate partner violence, who are trying to escape abusive relationships.
"So," said Bair, "these survivors are having to weigh out, 'Do I stay in an unsafe situation, or do I leave and potentially become homeless, potentially have my children become homeless?'"
Bair added that people who've experienced domestic violence or sex trafficking have almost always suffered financial abuse. They're either prevented from working, or have had their work sabotaged.
They're often cut off from people who could help them, and have poor or no credit history.
The measure is currently pending in the Nebraska Legislative Revenue Committee.
Nebraska has passed legislation in the past designed to help victims of domestic violence, but Bair said LB 78 goes further, by bridging the cost and social service gap that has been left in the past.
"These are also funds that are going to be provided to people who are working with victim service agencies, who are doing extensive case management support to help ensure that there is sustainability," said Bair, "and that people are going to be able to support themselves after they have this initial help."
Critics of plans like the one proposed in LB 78 worry about people's ongoing dependence on the state for financial help.
