Somewhere safe to call home: violence against women during homelessness

Australian public policy frames responses to homelessness in terms of access to safe, supported and secure accommodation. This study built on previous research that indicates that there are major concerns in relation to the quality of these responses. In particular, this research demonstrated that safety is a major issue for women during homelessness. The research was based on face-to-face qualitative interviews with 29 Victorian women who had recently experienced homelessness. The majority of the women had experienced long-term or chronic homelessness and violence was the primary reason that had precipitated homelessness. For all 29 women, violence had also been a part of their experience of being homeless. The research analysed their experiences of violence during homelessness, the impact of this violence on their health, and their attempts to seek assistance. The research findings informed recommendations regarding policy and practice change that would improve the circumstances of women who are homeless and prevent violence against them. This study was undertaken for the Salvation Army Crisis Services in St Kilda in response to their concerns about violence against homeless women. The research has been used in their advocacy work with government to improve policy and practice responses to homeless women.