The Impact of Relationships and Domestic Abuse and Violence in Women’s Trajectories out of Homelessness

Women’s homelessness is rising and there is increasing evidence that domestic abuse and violence is a dominant cause for women’s entry into homelessness. For many, the experience of (sexual/domestic) violence and abuse continue to present in their homelessness trajectories. Despite the introduction of some empowerment-based policies in the UK, such as the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, giving those who are homeless because of domestic abuse priority need for accommodation, a clear right of action and resources are missing. This has led to a very different reality of service delivery and practice and the actual lived experience of these women.

The research, based on my doctoral project, draws on 43 in-depth interviews and participant observations with a diverse range of women who have experienced both homelessness and domestic abuse, as well as practitioners within the system. It investigates how women’s relationships, experiences of abuse and violence, shape their engagement with homelessness services, practitioners and the housing system in general. It investigates how institutional and everyday violence often perpetuate a cycle of control and surveillance the women are hoping to escape, placing them in precarious situations and sometimes leading to further abuse and exchanges of sexual services for shelter or resources.

This research underscores the gendered nature of homelessness, where women often conceal their homelessness identities and occupy precarious spaces and relationships to manage risk. The presentation will consider some implication of the findings and how services and safe spaces can become a critical location for addressing the needs of these women.