Te Awatea Review, 2013, 11(1): 2-6

A 2-year study [conducted in Bristol, UK] of a cohort of homeless women and their needs for health and social care has found that many have experienced high levels of childhood abuse, domestic violence and sexual violence. Homelessness increases women’s vulnerability to further physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and causes or exacerbates, multiple and complex problems, including drug and alcohol dependency, mental health issues and involvement with the criminal justice system. Lack of a stable base results in a chaotic lifestyle and impedes the ability to access and maintain engagement with support services. As a result, women become virtually invisible to statutory services, their needs are not fully understood, nor adequately met. Findings stress the need for safe housing, co-ordinated support for multiple problems and the importance of being listened to. (Authors' abstract). "This is a study where the process of the research is as interesting to social scientists
as the topic." (from the Editorial)