IN THE UK AROUND 60% OF ADULTS IN TEMPORARY ACCOMODATION
ARE FEMALE.
Many women facing homelessness have complex needs stemming from domestic abuse and trauma, which can make recovery challenging.
Despite making up only 51% of the total population, data indicate that women account for 60% of people experiencing homelessness in the UK, especially those living in temporary housing. In the past decade, the number of women and their families residing in temporary housing has nearly doubled to 75,410. Women who are homeless frequently deal with intricate and interconnected issues, such as domestic violence and other traumas, which can worsen their circumstances and make recovery more difficult.
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disproportionate representation: In England, 60% of individuals experiencing homelessness and living in temporary housing are women. The number of women living in temporary housing has almost doubled during the last ten years.
Complex needs:
Domestic abuse, other traumas, and mental health disorders are common among homeless women, and they may both contribute to and result from their homelessness.
Underreported rough sleeping:
Despite being under-represented in official statistics, research and service providers show that women are a particularly vulnerable demographic among the homeless.
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Particular difficulties:
Women who are homeless confront unique obstacles, such as a higher chance of exploitation and violence and trouble getting the right kind of support.
Domestic abuse:
Many women escape violent settings as a result of domestic violence, which is a major cause of homelessness among women.
Trauma:
Women who are homeless frequently have a history of trauma, such as sexual assault and other violent crimes, which can affect their mental health and capacity to get help.
Safety concerns:
Many women feel uncomfortable sleeping on the streets and may have to make tough decisions, sometimes putting themselves in danger, in order to locate temporary housing.
Period poverty:
Homeless women may face severe conditions, including infections and a loss of dignity, due to a lack of access to sanitary supplies and washing facilities.
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Mental health:
Homeless women often experience mental health problems, and may face barriers to accessing appropriate mental health services.
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Barriers to accessing support:
Fear, lack of information, and complex needs can prevent women from seeking help, leading to them remaining hidden and isolated.
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If you or somebody you know is effected by or experiencing any of the issues listed above
please follow one of the links below.
Support Links & numbers:
women can call The Freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 for free at any time, day or night. The staff will offer confidential, non-judgemental information and support
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​​​men can call Respect Men's Advice Line on 0808 8010 327 (Monday to Friday 10am to 8pm), or visit the webchat at Men's Advice Line (Wednesday 10am to 11:30am and 2pm to 4pm) for non-judgemental information and support​
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men can also call ManKind on 0182 3334 244 (Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)
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​​if you identify as LGBT+ you can call Galop on 0800 999 5428 for emotional and practical support
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