Homelessness is dangerous. The term is often associated with people who sleep rough; however, it can include anyone who does not have a home (Royal College of Nursing, 2023). Homeless people include those whose accommodation is insecure, those facing eviction, people living in temporary accommodation, those squatting, people at risk of violence, those housed in property potentially damaging to their health and those who cannot afford their current accommodation.
There are more than 75 000 women and their families who are homeless and living in temporary accommodation in the UK (Shelter, 2021). The average age of death for women experiencing homelessness in the UK is 43 years, when the average life expectancy of women in the general population is 83 years (Single Homeless Project, 2023). The reasons why women are homeless are complex and very often multifactorial.
Homelessness is a widespread issue affecting thousands of people across the UK. Women make up a significant proportion of the homeless population; however, their experiences are often eclipsed by the focus on male homelessness. These women are frequently referred to as the ‘hidden homeless’ due to their tendency to avoid rough sleeping or public spaces, often as a result of fear of violence or exploitation. This makes it difficult to accurately estimate the number of women who are homeless and provide them with the necessary support. The specific plight of homeless women remains largely unseen, unheard and perhaps uncared for. Those women find themselves not only without a roof over their heads but also having to deal with a range of interconnected issues, such as domestic violence, mental health struggles and economic inequality. They need services that address these persistent issues.
Domestic abuse is a significant contributor to women's homelessness. Many women who flee abusive relationships find themselves without a safety net, navigating complex systems that often fall short in providing the necessary support structures (Bretherton, 2017). Mental health challenges can exacerbate the difficulties faced by homeless women, further isolating them from society.
Addressing the crisis of women and homelessness requires a multifaceted approach. First and foremost, there must be an acknowledgment of the unique challenges that are faced by homeless women, which include the need for safe spaces, trauma-informed care and targeted resources that address domestic violence and mental health. A comprehensive reform of the current homelessness support system is key. This should involve increased funding for women-specific shelters, mental health services and educational programmes, facilitating women to regain control of their lives.
Homeless people experience challenges and stigma when trying to access a GP practice. Many homeless people also have mental health issues, which makes this a significant barrier. NHS guidance states that to register and receive treatment at a GP practice the person does not need a fixed address, they do not need identification, the person's immigration status does not matter. People may be asked for identification but the practice cannot refuse if they do not have this (Groundswell, 2022).
Our collective responsibility has to be to foster a society where no woman has to face the indignity of homelessness. Failing to recognise women's specific needs means women are often being failed when faced with homelessness (Shelter, 2021). The crisis of women and homelessness demands our attention, it is only through our united understanding and targeted action that we can bring about change that is effective and sustainable.
Homelessness is devastating, it is isolating and it is dangerous.