There is a connection between decent housing and domestic violence prevention

A new report by Habitat for Humanity Latin America and the Caribbean reveals the worrying connection between the lack of adequate housing and the increase in domestic violence in the region. The report highlights how precarious housing conditions, such as overcrowding, lack of privacy and housing instability, contribute to family stress and increase the risk of violence.

The report, “Housing and Domestic Violence Prevention,” underscores the urgent need for housing solutions that go beyond simply providing shelter. Sustainable, safe and dignified housing is essential to promote women’s safety, economic independence and overall well-being.

“Housing is an essential pillar for women’s independence, allowing them to meet their daily needs and those of their families, as well as providing them with the opportunity to overcome significant challenges in their lives,” says Martha Guillén, executive director of Habitat Honduras.

Key data from the report:

– High prevalence of domestic violence: At least one in three women in Latin America and the Caribbean has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. Fourteen of the twenty-five countries with the highest rates of femicide in the world are in the region.
– Significant housing deficit: Approximately 45% of households in the region lack decent housing, affecting hundreds of millions of people.
– Impact of housing on violence: Overcrowding, lack of privacy, extreme temperatures and lack of basic services contribute to family stress, increasing the risk of domestic violence. Studies show a correlation between poor housing conditions and increased violence.
– Housing as a prevention tool: The report highlights how access to decent housing, with adequate living conditions, can help significantly reduce levels of intrafamily violence by fostering economic stability, women’s autonomy, and the creation of safer and healthier family environments.

Habitat for Humanity’s comprehensive approach:

The report details Habitat for Humanity’s comprehensive approach to addressing this problem, from:

– Building affordable housing: Creating access to safe, affordable housing that meets quality standards.
– Promoting secure land tenure: Empowering women through secure land ownership.
– Strengthening community support networks: Connecting women to essential services and support systems.
– Advocacy for policy change: Working to create policy environments that support women’s safety and well-being.

Habitat for Humanity actively works to improve access to decent housing in Latin America and the Caribbean through affordable financing, quality housing standards and strategies that strengthen the economic security of families, especially women. The organization’s comprehensive approach recognizes that improving housing conditions not only reduces domestic violence, but also contributes to the overall well-being and development of communities.

Through its ongoing advocacy work, Habitat for Humanity urges governments, organizations, and the private sector to work together to address the problem of the lack of decent housing and promote policies that protect the rights of women and families.

Allocating resources for quality housing is an investment in preventing violence and building safer and more just communities.