RCGV members Cris Sullivan and Gabriela López-Zerón are honored to be working with the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence to longitudinally examine the impact of mobile advocacy and flexible funding on the long-term well-being of domestic violence survivors and their children[1]. The research team also includes graduate students Funmi Ayeni, Isi Bilbao, Dani Chiaramonte, and Sydney Modica as well as a cadre of wonderful undergraduates.
Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and children, and, in turn, the lack of stable housing increases women’s risk of victimization. Unfortunately, little evidence exists about effective strategies to assist women as they work to avoid homelessness while freeing themselves and their children from the abuse of partners and ex-partners. Even less is known about effective strategies for men or trans survivors. This demonstration evaluation will significantly add to our knowledge base by rigorously examining the impact of mobile advocacy and flexible funding on the lives of domestic violence survivors and their children over time.
Data Sources: 406 survivors are being interviewed every 6 months over 24 months. Service providers are submitting information about services participants received, and services available through the agency. Advocates complete brief online surveys at the 6-month time frame about their work with specific survivors.
Primary Research Question: Is participation in the DVHF Demonstration related to better outcomes than receiving “standard services” (with no or minimal levels of mobile advocacy or flexible funding)? Primary outcomes of interest include:
- Housing stability
- Economic stability
- Safety
- Quality of life
- Mental health and substance abuse
- Children’s school attendance and academic progress
- Children’s well-being, including behavioral problems and social-emotional skills
DVHF Demonstration Evaluation Timeline
The evaluation began in 2017 and continues through September 2022. Updates and findings can be found at WSCADV DVHF Demonstration Evaluation
[1] The demonstration evaluation is supported by a subcontract from the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, who received funding through a contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) in partnership with the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime [contract #HHSP233201600070C], and by a grant from the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, who received funding from The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation [#OPP1117416].
