For survivors of domestic violence, public benefits can provide a critical pathway to safety, stability, and independence. Yet accessing those benefits is often complicated by administrative hurdles, confusing requirements, and experiences that can reinforce stigma and stress.

A new study by Andrea Hetling, Vee Yeo, and Lillian McFarland, published in the Journal of Social Policy, examines how trauma-informed approaches can help reduce these barriers. Drawing on interviews with survivors and stakeholders at a supportive housing program in New Jersey, the researchers found that strong case management, peer support, and flexible, individualized services can make it easier for survivors to navigate public benefit systems and focus on recovery.

Read more about the research and its implications for policy and practice in the following blog post and journal article.