One factor that should always be considered in constructing a housing transition plan is the threat of domestic violence. Housing may be a critical component of safety planning for any of the individual's past victims of domestic or other family violence. It may, at the same time, be a factor for those re-entering who have had a history of being victimized by domestic violence. Rather than a blanket policy prohibiting an individual from returning to live with those whom he or she has victimized or who have victimized him or her, transition planners need to carefully weigh the housing options against the interests and history of the parties involved.

To understand who may be at risk when a person leaves prison or jail, transition planners need to consider a variety of sources, all of which may have information about a history of violence or threats by or against the inmate. Transition planners should consult court or corrections records of past restraining orders or domestic violence cases; local law enforcement officials, who may be familiar with particular neighborhood threats; any victim of the offense for which the person was incarcerated; the family of the person; community members who are familiar with the person and his or her family or neighborhood; correctional files that may reveal a risk of violence; and the individual himself or herself. When the victim chooses not to participate in the process or when the victim cannot be located, a victim impact statement from the original criminal case and/or a victim advocate may represent the victim's perspective. Similarly, victim advocates or community corrections officers may be able to represent the family's point of view in domestic violence cases. (See Policy Statement 23, Victims, Families, and Communities, for more on addressing victims and family members' concerns about a person's re-entry into the community.)

The information that a transition planning team finds in its research should inform any housing choices. For example, if family members express concern about a person's return to live in the residence, a placement outside the family home may be more appropriate. Alternatively, a family that expresses concern but is interested in reuniting with the individual may be willing to provide housing as long as counseling and other supportive services are available for the re-entering individual and/or his or her family.

By the same token, the person who is being released must also be protected from threats of domestic violence. To the extent that he or she is at risk of harm from other people in the community, such as family members who have threatened him or her in the past, the person leaving prison or jail should go to a housing situation that provides some geographic distance from that threat and a measure of confidentiality. By striving to create a housing plan that can help protect the individual, family, victims, and other community members, the transition planner maximizes the chances that the re-entry will be both safe and successful.