New research highlights survivor and service provider perspectives, emphasizing the need for more support systems
CALIFORNIA –Nationally, 73% of survivors indicated their financial situation impacted their ability to leave an abusive relationship, either very much or extremely. With cost of living and housing affordability affecting many Californians, survivors of domestic violence experience compounded impacts of financial instability and economic abuse as a barrier to safety. As a service provider who was interviewed for the 2025 California Intimate Partner Violence/Domestic Violence (IPV/DV) Services Needs Assessment put it, “The moment that people need to leave the situation, they often lack financial resources and options as to where to go.”
This statewide needs assessment was conducted by the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership), in collaboration with the Redwood Institute of Social Research (RISR), surveying 236 survivors and 123 domestic violence providers and conducting 22 in-depth interviews with key stakeholders and community partners. Among identifying financial issues and housing as major challenges for survivors accessing services, the statewide project sought to better understand the current spectrum of IPV/DV services, barriers to access, and emerging needs of survivors and service providers across California.
Key Findings of the assessment also revealed several consistent themes across the state:
- Survivors reported facing significant barriers that impact their access to resources and services in their communities.
- Many survivors are struggling to find safe and stable housing.
- 28% of surveyed survivors reported being denied housing due to experiences with IPV/DV.
- There is a need for tailored support services for populations impacted by oppressive systems and regions that face unique challenges. This includes survivors who are Black, Indigenous and Native and People of Color (BIPOC); Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQIA2S+); experiencing homelessness, living with disabilities, or involved in human trafficking— particularly in rural communities.
- 46% of survivor respondents reported having a disability or chronic condition.
- More service providers are imperative to offer comprehensive services including multilingual support, prevention resources and training.
- Respondents said that federal changes and current immigration enforcement practices are putting survivors at risk, impeding service providers’ ability to create safe spaces and accessible resources.
For survivors to access the services they need to heal, Californians need bold, coordinated action. Based on the findings, RISR made the following key recommendations:
- Expanding long-term and flexible funding for housing, staffing, and survivor financial assistance, alongside statewide studies on unmet needs, homelessness intersections, and the true cost of services.
- Strengthening systemwide coordination, improving transportation access, and expanding telehealth and outreach, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
- Services that increase language access, diversify the workforce, are survivor-focused, and ensure ADA-compliant, identity-affirming support.
- Statewide prevention education
- Legal trainings that keep families at the core and reduce as much harm as possible to create a more accessible, and survivor-focused response system across California.
- Renewed advocacy against harmful federal policies
While findings revealed resilience and adaptability among survivors and service providers, there were significant barriers such as, unpredictable federal changes, inequitable access to support, and resource limitations. This impacts the health, safety, and future of Californians, their families, and entire communities. The Partnership and RISR call for funding that can sustain culturally responsive and coordinated support systems.
A full list of recommendations can be found in the full report.
The full report is available at 2025 CA IPV/DV Services Needs Assessment.
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About the California Partnership to End Domestic Violence
The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (the Partnership) is California’s recognized domestic violence coalition. We create culture and policy change to prevent and end domestic violence in our state by mobilizing over 1,000 survivors, advocates, organizations, and allies.
As social change advocates, we work to create healthy relationships and equitable communities. We do this by developing legislation and learning opportunities that elevate survivor-centered solutions and convening our statewide network to strengthen domestic violence services in California.
About the Redwood Institute of Social Research (RISR)
The Redwood Institute of Social Research is a California-based research organization specializing in community-based evaluation, needs assessments, and equity-focused data analysis to inform policy and practice.