Our Policy Platform
Centering Voices. Advancing Justice.
The URI policy platform reflects our commitment to ending domestic violence and homelessness by addressing their root causes and expanding access to critical resources. In collaboration with survivors, policymakers, and community partners, we advocate for transformative policies and sustained investment in prevention and intervention.
By centering the voices of those with lived experience, we aim to drive lasting change and help build a future grounded in safety, stability, and economic justice for all.
COMPREHENSIVE POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
Enhancing Survivor Safety and Shelter Accessibility
Promoting Inclusive Shelter Policies:
Advocate for policies that ensure shelter access for underserved populations, including LGBTQIA+ survivors, singles without children, individuals with disabilities, and immigrant communities.
Increasing Funding for Emergency Housing:
Advocate for increased public funding to expand shelter capacity and provide transitional housing support.
Expanding Pet-Friendly Shelter Access:
Champion the expansion of pet-inclusive shelters through URI’s PALS program, reducing barriers for survivors with pets.
Provide Pet Co-Living Resources and Technical Assistance:
Support temporary housing providers to empower them to easily create more opportunities for people and pet co-living.
Empowerment Through Economic Independence
Pass the Economic Violence Reduction Act:
Create a legal mechanism for survivors of economic abuse to discharge a debt that was coerced in the context of abuse.
Create and Finance Low-Barrier Direct Cash Assistance Programs:
Support survivors and their families access safety and healing. These programs should be available to all families, regardless of immigration status.
Guarantee Timely and Complete Payment of Contracts:
Ensure that payments to providers are made within 90 days of contract execution.
Workforce Development and Economic Empowerment Initiatives:
Advocate for increased investment in job-readiness programs and economic empowerment programming, to help survivors of abuse, homelessness, and their families achieve financial wellness and independence.
Eliminate Unnecessary Barriers to Access Support:
Remove requirements such as filing a police report, utilizing support within an unreasonably short timeframe, imposing unnecessary restrictions on how funds can be used, or limiting support to survivors without criminal records, among others.
Addressing the Needs of Those Who Cause Harm
Statewide Trauma-Informed Accountability Programs:
Develop and implement a statewide trauma-informed accountability program curriculum to ensure quality, uniformity, and scalability for individuals who cause harm.
Needs Assessment and Referral Programs:
Establish comprehensive needs assessments and referral programs with strong linkages to culturally responsive, community-based service providers for wraparound supports.
Investing in Accountability Programming:
Allocate resources to programs that provide trauma-informed care for those who have caused harm, while requiring them to take responsibility for their actions and the harm they’ve caused.
Preventing Domestic Violence Through Education and Awareness
Community Education Campaigns:
Advocate for public awareness initiatives that address domestic violence prevention and destigmatize survivor experiences.
School-Based Programs:
Support the integration of domestic violence prevention education into school curricula, empowering young people with tools to recognize and address abuse.
Provide Youth Violence Prevention Programs in Family Shelters:
Offer these programs to youth who have likely been exposed to violence at home or in their communities.
Fostering Partnerships for Greater Impact
Collaboration with Community Organizations:
Support cross-sector partnerships that amplify the voices of survivors and ensure comprehensive service delivery.
Public-Private Funding Models:
Advocate for innovative funding solutions, leveraging private sector contributions alongside government grants.
Advancing Legislative Advocacy
Advocate for legislative reforms that enhance legal protections for survivors, including addressing coercive control and ensuring accessible restraining orders.
Addressing Systemic Inequities:
Support policy initiatives that address the root causes of violence, poverty, housing instability, and systemic discrimination.