Homelessness

Women’s homelessness is often linked to their experiences of domestic abuse. It has been difficult to gather true representative data on women’s homelessness because women’s experience differs greatly from men’s, and it is often hidden from statistics due to the way these are collected.

Street counts are carried out to collect data on those who are street homeless. These statistics are based on those who meet the government’s definition of “rough sleeping”, people who are “bedding down for the night” in the open air or in buildings not designed for habitation.

Recent surveys carried out have shown that women’s homelessness is experienced differently to this and therefore the street counts may not be capturing a true representation of the number of women who are actually homeless.

The data suggests that women who do not have anywhere to live are unlikely to camp down for the night and they often avoid city centres. They may decide to walk around all night rather than settling somewhere which leaves them feeling exposed and vulnerable. The surveys show how women have stayed in places such as hospital toilets, emergency waiting rooms, train or bus stations and tried to take shelter for as long as possible in late opening fast-food places, or travel on public transport.

Women’s homelessness may be more intermittent as women may be able to find a family member or friend to stay with. Women who are homeless could be vulnerable to staying with risky people or engaging in sex work to enable them to be off the streets and have a roof for the night. 

Many women who are experiencing homelessness have also experienced domestic abuse which is why Manchester Women’s Aid continues to work in close partnership with homeless services and organisations to ensure that specialist support is received by those who need it.