Are you at risk?
Domestic violence is the most often cited reason given by women presenting to specialist homelessness services for assistance. This includes physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse from your partner. But it’s important to remember that this is not the only cause of homelessness amongst women.
Women who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless often lack control over their lives because they are dependent on others to provide accommodation. They may be pressured to enter into and remain in relationships that offer shelter, even if this places them at risk of harm, in order to meet their immediate needs and the needs of their families.
Homelessness can result from such a diversity of reasons that anyone in society can potentially experience homelessness at some stage in their lives.
You might find yourself homeless for any of the additional reasons:
Financial problems such as debt, poverty and economic crisis;
- Physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse from another person you are dependent on e.g. your landlord or employer (if they provide you with accommodation);
- Marital or family breakdown;
- Family violence;
- Mental health issues and illnesses;
- Lack of affordable housing and/or lease expiry;
- Drug and alcohol abuse and other addictions such as chronic gambling.