Public Housing and Domestic Violence

Abstract

Emerging data reveal a high prevalence of domestic violence in public housing complexes. Although there is more domestic violence in lower income households, it is likely that the density in public housing—huge numbers of low-income persons living in close proximity to one another—contributes to these prevalence rates due to the high degree of disorder, documented lack of police response, and resultant low morale. In light of the many ways in which the environment of public housing complexes contributes to the prevalence of domestic violence, efforts to reduce density and to envision better ways to provide housing support for low-income women are essential.