Op-Ed | Domestic violence workers need a living wage amNewYork

"As both a domestic violence worker, and someone who grew up exposed to it, I know just how vulnerable it can leave you. My mother worked hard, but as a single parent raising three toddlers, she struggled to maintain stable housing and financial security. As a child, I internalized feelings of fear and shame, believing that the challenges we faced were unique to us."

"Through my Human Services courses, I learned about systemic inequities, social welfare programs, and the power of advocacy. I realized that my family's struggles were not isolatedwe were part of a much larger universe of families who lacked equitable access to financial stability and support. After graduating, I committed myself to serving families navigating the same barriers my mother once faced."

"I use both my lived experience and professional training to bridge gaps in care and support of New York's most vulnerable homeless populations. For years, however, New York State has excluded domestic violence workers like me from annual budget increases. This sets a dangerous precedent for the long-term stability of services for survivors. If we want to ensure survivors have the tools and support, they need to rebuild their lives, domestic violence workers must be paid a living wage."

The writer grew up exposed to domestic violence and experienced housing and financial instability as a child of a single mother raising three toddlers. Academic encouragement and Human Services education revealed systemic inequities, social welfare frameworks, and advocacy's importance, prompting a commitment to serve similar families. As Program Director at New Destiny Housing, the writer combines lived experience and professional training to provide permanent housing and services for survivors and their children and to bridge gaps for New York's homeless populations. New York State has excluded domestic violence workers from annual budget increases, undermining service stability. Federal budget cuts would further threaten survivor supports.

Read at www.amny.com