JWI Statement on Supreme Court ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson
From Jewish Women International on June 28, 2024.
Jewish Women International strongly condemns the Supreme Court’s disastrous ruling in City of Grants Pass v. Johnson. This ruling, which effectively criminalizes homelessness, has profound and distressing implications for victims and survivors of domestic violence and their children. This decision fails to recognize the harrowing reality faced by countless women and families who are forced to choose between enduring violence at home and seeking safety on the streets. Domestic violence is the leading cause of homelessness among women with children. By criminalizing homelessness, the Supreme Court is also criminalizing victims for leaving dangerous and abusive partners.
For many victims of domestic violence, homelessness is not a choice but a last resort to escape life-threatening situations. Criminalizing homelessness not only punishes those who are already vulnerable but also exacerbates their trauma and suffering. Survivors fleeing abusive environments often have limited options and resources. By making homelessness a crime, the ruling further marginalizes these individuals, pushing them into the shadows and away from the support and services they desperately need.
This ruling does not address the root causes of homelessness, particularly for domestic violence survivors, and instead, places an unjust burden on those who have already endured unimaginable hardships. It is imperative that our legal and social systems provide compassionate and effective solutions that prioritize the safety and well-being of all individuals, especially those who are most at risk.
Says JWI’s CEO, Meredith Jacobs, “Criminalizing homelessness, particularly for those escaping domestic violence, is a profound injustice that we must actively work to correct. Our society must reflect the values of compassion, support, and protection for all individuals, ensuring that survivors of domestic violence can find safety and hope without fear of criminalization.”
We call upon policymakers and community leaders to recognize the unique challenges faced by domestic violence survivors and to advocate for humane and supportive measures. Safe, accessible, and affordable housing, along with comprehensive support services, must be made available to ensure that survivors and their children can escape violence without the fear of criminalization or further harm.
Jewish Women International (JWI) is the leading Jewish organization working to end violence against women and girls domestically and internationally. JWI's National Center on Domestic & Sexual Violence in the Jewish Community is the hub of resources, trainings, and research to support the field. It convenes The Collaborative, the network of all Jewish domestic violence agencies in the U.S. and established and hosts the Interfaith Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence and the Clergy Task Force to End Domestic Abuse in the Jewish Community. A Steering Committee member of the National Task Force to End Sexual and Domestic Violence, JWI’s advocacy efforts focus on the passage of legislation that supports women and girls, ensures their economic security, and protects their right to live free of violence.