Violence Against Women and Homelessness

Strategic activity around addressing violence against women and girls (VWAG) has brought attention to the intersection of violence with other forms of deep social exclusion, including homelessness.

The interplay between violence and homelessness is especially pronounced for women, with both highly negative experiences acting as both a cause and consequence of the other. 

Women in Northern Ireland, as elsewhere, face disproportionately high levels of intimidation, abuse, and violence, as compared to men. Women also report experiences of violence as a consequence of homelessness while living in congregate homeless accommodation, and violence is a commonly reported and often extreme experience for women when rough sleeping. Evidence also suggests that many women go to extreme lengths to conceal or downplay the severity of their circumstances, which means that the challenges they face often do not come to service providers’ attention until they are in crisis. 

However, the available evidence regarding the precise nature and impact of intersecting experiences of homelessness and violence for women is limited, particularly when additional intersectional factors like place, identity and disadvantage are considered. Research has underscored several misconceptions that have unhelpfully persisted due to the absence of a comprehensive understanding of this complex issue. 

This study aims to contribute to existing knowledge by addressing these gaps and misconceptions, with a specific emphasis on understanding women’s experiences, identifying best practice, informing policy, fostering cross sectoral collaboration, and supporting investment in future services.

It is underpinned by three key research questions: 

  • What are the causes and impacts of violence and homelessness among women?  
  • What are women’s experiences of support services?  
  • How can responses to women facing violence and homelessness be developed to improve outcomes for those affected?

The study employs a qualitative methodology and case study approach which involves fieldwork in four geographic areas of Northern Ireland. Across these, interviews and focus groups will be conducted with women who have lived experience of violence and homelessness; frontline support workers; and stakeholders in strategic roles who design or implement policies which affect them.

Funded by: Community Foundation Northern Ireland

In partnership with: I-SPHERE, Heriot-Watt University

Principle Investigator (PI): Dr Lynne McMordie, I-SPHERE, Heriot-Watt University 

Co-Investigator (Co-I): Prof Suzanne Fitzpatrick, I-SPHERE, Heriot-Watt University 

Co-Investigator (Co-I): Prof Sarah Johnsen, Centre for Homelessness and Inclusion Health (CHIH), University of Edinburgh