In my previous role as Shadow Minister for Homelessness and Rough Sleeping, I worked tirelessly with expert organisations to develop a comprehensive strategy to address all forms of homelessness. I firmly believe that no one should have to sleep rough on the streets or be forced into unsafe and inadequate temporary housing. However, the challenges faced by homeless women are even more difficult to tackle.
Homelessness casts a dark cloud of danger and uncertainty over the lives of countless women, exacerbating the risks they already face in a world that often overlooks their safety. Without a secure and healthy place to sleep, women become more susceptible to violence, exploitation, abuse, and complex health issues. The absence of shelter leaves them vulnerable to physical and sexual assaults, perpetuating a cycle of trauma and despair.
Moreover, for years, the number of women sleeping rough has been underreported, not because they are less likely to experience homelessness, but because they are part of the "hidden homeless" population.
Moreover, for years, the number of women sleeping rough has been underreported, not because they are less likely to experience homelessness, but because they are part of the "hidden homeless" population. Due to the increased danger for women sleeping rough, they often hide themselves or end up "sofa surfing," making it harder for organisations to provide them with the critical support they need and obscuring the true extent of the problem.
Last year, a coalition of prominent women's and homelessness organizations, in collaboration with local authorities, conducted a women-focused rough sleeping census in London. This week-long count revealed that the number of homeless women sleeping rough is significantly higher than previously recorded at 14%.
It is imperative that future rough sleeping counts consider the lessons learned from last year's women-focused census. Only by truly understanding the full breadth of the problem can we hope to effectively address it.
It is highly likely that they have endured serious violence at some point in their journey. Therefore, any strategy aimed at ending women's homelessness must adopt a trauma-informed approach.
However, this is just the beginning. The trauma experienced by many homeless women, whether before or after they are made homeless, often stays with them for a lifetime. It is highly likely that they have endured serious violence at some point in their journey. Therefore, any strategy aimed at ending women's homelessness must adopt a trauma-informed approach.
Only by working together and drawing on the expertise of organisations within the women’s and homelessness sectors, it is possible to truly tackle homelessness for women in a way that gives them back the dignity, security and peace of mind they deserve.
Paula Barker MP
Tell us your own experiences of homelessness and how it has affected you.
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