Hello all –
This week’s FYI focuses on the link between children experiencing violence and being pushed out of their homes.
A study of a national sample of American children found that over the past year 60 percent were exposed to violence, crime, or abuse in their homes, schools, and communities. Almost 40 percent of American children were direct victims of 2 or more violent acts, and 1 in 10 were victims of violence 5 or more times. Children are more likely to be exposed to violence and crime than adults. Almost 1 in 10 American children saw one family member assault another family member, and more than 25 percent had been exposed to family violence during their life (Finkelhor et al., 2009).
Children are more likely to be exposed to violence and crime than adults, and there is a direct, well documented link between children experiencing violence and being pushed out of their homes or forced to flee, often leading to youth homelessness. Family dysfunction, specifically parental neglect, physical abuse, and sexual abuse, is the primary cause of youth running away or being forced to leave. (National Conference of State Legislature – AI review).
There are services available. There are programs that can help.
Teen Victims of Violence and Displacement
The Link Between Teens or Kids Experiencing Violence and Displacement
- High Prevalence of Abuse: Among homeless youth, studies show that roughly 50% are victims of physical abuse, and 25% to 33% are victims of sexual abuse.
- “Thrownaway” Youth: Nearly 50% of runaway minors report that their parents told them to leave or knew they were leaving and did not care.
- Forced to Flee: Children often flee to escape sexual abuse, which is a key driver for running away, particularly among girls.
- Impact of Domestic Violence: Children who witness intimate partner violence (IPV) in the home are at increased risk of abuse themselves, creating a volatile environment that often ends in displacement.
Child Crime Prevention & Safety Center +4
Youth experiencing homelessness are often not just “running away” but are being pushed out due to a lack of safety and severe conflict in their homes. 
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV)
National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV) Oklahoma Services/Resources for Teens Who are Pushed out of their Home
For teens who have witnessed or have been victims of abuse in Oklahoma who are pushed out of their homes or who are homeless help is available.
Sisu Youth Services (405-459-7478) and Pivot (405-235-7537) in Oklahoma City, or by texting “SAFE” and your location to 44357 to find local Safe Place sites. These centers provide emergency shelter, food, and housing assistance for ages 12–24
Emergency Shelter & Immediate Support
- Sisu Youth Services (OKC): Low-barrier overnight shelter for youth ages 15–22, offering a drop-in resource center, case management, and education support. (405-459-7478, 2129 NW 30th St. OKC)
- Pivot (OKC): Offers a temporary emergency youth shelter (Family Junction) for ages 12–17 and a drop-in center for ages 16–24. (405-235-7537, 201 NE 50th St. OKC)
- Safe Place (Tulsa/Statewide): Teens 12–18 can go to any QuikTrip, fire station, library, or YMCA to connect with a youth service provider.
- Youth & Family Services of North Central Oklahoma (Enid): Provides emergency shelter to youth ages 0–17.
www.yfsenid.org +4
Housing & Transitional Living Programs
- Host Home OK: Provides temporary housing options for youth ages 14–24.
- Sisu Quest Transitional Living Program: Provides month-to-month leases for youth ages 18–24.
- Housing to Hope Youth Program (HHYP): Offers supported transitional living for youth ages 18–24.
oklahoma.gov +2
National Services/Resources for Teens Who are Pushed out of their Home
Crisis & Support Services
- National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-786-2929 (Available 24/7 for confidential help).
- 988 Mental Health Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate crisis counseling.
- Crisis Text Line: Text with a trained volunteer by texting “HOME” to 741741.
- Equality Center of Tulsa: Resources for LGBTQ+ youth.
- Oklahoma Successful Adulthood Program (OKSA): For youth who spent time in foster care, call 1-800-397-2945 for assistance with housing and food.
oklahoma.gov +3
If you know of a young person in need of services, remember, you are NOT ALONE! For more information on services available in our area please reach out to Haven to speak with an advocate.
Haven Office Hours: 8:30 am – 4:30 pm Monday – Friday. HAVEN Does NOT provide 24- hour service. After hours please call: StrongHearts Native Helpline https://strongheartshelpline 1-844-762-8483 (call or text) or Community Crisis Center, Miami, OK 1-800-400-0883. StrongHearts and Community Crisis Center have 24 hour service.
Please call the HAVEN office during business hours for more information.
918-554-2836 or Text Line: 918.533.3070
Program Website: https://havenprogram.com/
Program Email: havenprogram@estoo.net Facebook: HAVEN Tribal Program
