10/09/2026
Survivors of sexual assault and domestic abuse often face mental health struggles and safe housing challenges in the aftermath of these traumatic events. Today, on World Mental Health Day and World Homeless Day, we’re talking about why those connections matter.
Abuse can keep the body and brain in a constant survival mode that includes fear, anxiety, and high-pressure planning and decision-making. Survivors may also mask their struggles in front of their children, at work, or in other situations. Long-term effects like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are normal reactions to abnormal circumstances – they are not weaknesses.
Finding and maintaining housing can be difficult as well. Financial abuse like a lack of access to accounts and credit score damage can make it hard to secure a place to live. Some landlords evict victims in connection to disturbances or damage, and complex paperwork and privacy challenges can add to the stress.
If you or someone you know is struggling with safe housing access or mental health concerns, we see you, we believe you, and we’re here to help. That’s victim services. 💜
www.violencefreeiowa.org/thatsvictimservices
