How Transitional Housing Helps Refugee Survivors of Domestic Violence

Transitional housing is a type of housing that supports people in need of a place to stay who might need extra assistance before living on their own. This includes the homeless, individuals recovering from addiction, and survivors of domestic violence. Generally, transitional housing only lasts for a set period of time, which can range from two weeks to two years. Transitional homes are even more important for refugee survivors of domestic abuse, as they often do not have a network to support them in the country to which they have fled. Here’s how transitional housing helps them:

• Security – Transitional housing offers refugee survivors of domestic abuse a safe place to live as they escape from harsh situations and try to recover from the abuse through which they have lived. This security also helps to make sure that they are not found or followed by their abuser.
  

• Stability – Additionally, transitional housing offers a stable living situation for refugee survivors of domestic abuse. This stability will allow them to process their trauma, create a plan for financial independence, and develop a supportive network. These elements are vital to survivors’ safe transition back into society. 
  

• Support – Transitional housing is usually accompanied by support staff who help refugees with things like the refugee determination process and landing processes, accessing educational programs, finding permanent housing, counseling, and providing support for refugees as they transition into the larger community.
  

• Freedom – Transitional housing also helps refugees develop the skills needed to live their lives free of abuse and coercive control. Living in a transitional home helps refugees gain autonomy and make decisions about their own lives.
  

All of these factors help refugee survivors of domestic abuse rebuild their lives as they escape the atrocities they have lived through and settle in a safe, stable, and supportive community where they are free and in charge of their own lives.

The International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) advocates for the rights of all uprooted people, including refugee survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. We partner with organizations like Global Shepherds Berhad and the Rohingya Society of Malaysia to provide transitional housing for these victims so they can live safely and begin rebuilding their lives. We’ve also started an online awareness campaign to prevent child sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and domestic violence among refugee communities in Malaysia and around the world. Find out how you can make a difference and help us provide safe, transitional housing for refugees today!