Domestic violence is a pervasive and serious issue in society, affecting people of all genders, ages, and backgrounds. There are approximately 2,000 domestic violence agencies throughout the US that provide critical services to survivors—emergency shelter, counseling, legal advocacy, and more.
However, according to the 17th Annual Domestic Violence Counts Report by the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), there are significant unmet needs for shelter among domestic violence agencies.
The NNEDV Census is a national survey of domestic violence agencies that provides important data on the services they provide and the needs of survivors. According to the 2022 census, on a single day in September 2021, domestic violence agencies in the United States served 70,932 individuals, but there were still 11,968 unmet requests for services, with the most frequently requested service being emergency shelter. This means that almost one in six requests for services went unfulfilled.
The lack of available shelter is a major issue for survivors. When they are unable to find a safe place to stay, they may be forced to return to their abusers or become homeless. This puts them at risk for further abuse, poverty, and other challenges. Domestic violence agencies work hard to provide shelter, but they often face limited resources and high demand.
This vital community need was the genesis of the Safe Stays by ReloShare platform, enabling hotels to play a critical role in supporting survivors of domestic violence. By partnering with ReloShare, hotels provide safe, temporary housing for those who need it in the times they are most vulnerable and often desperate. This not only helps bridge the gap in available shelter, but also allows survivors to receive support and services from domestic violence agencies during their stays.
While the issue of domestic violence is complex and requires a comprehensive response, hotels play an important role in supporting survivors and the social agencies that support them. By partnering with Safe Stays, hotels provide an alternative to shelter, while also providing critical support to survivors in their time of need.
If you are a hotel owner or general manager, consider adding your hotel to the Safe Stays platform to support survivors in your community. We extend gratitude to those, such as Choice Hotels International and Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, that already are part of the Safe Stays program. Together, we can work to end domestic violence and create a safer, more equitable society for all.
To learn more, visit our List Your Hotel page contact a member of the team at safestays@reloshare.com.
