The invisible crisis: The data gap in homelessness is leaving women vulnerable
By Alanna Okunneye
Medical Student (5th year) and Communications Volunteer at The Vavengers
Stop Period Poverty, credit unknown.
Homelessness is often perceived as a predominantly male issue, but research suggests that this is a misconception fueled by inadequate data. Officially, ⅔ of those who are homeless are male.1 However, women and families make up a substantial portion of the homeless population. Their experiences and needs have been overlooked and underreported. Many women remain invisible in research, minimising their true presence and the unique challenges they face. It is essential to recognise and address these gaps to provide adequate support and resources for all those affected by homelessness.
The data gap and its impact on vulnerable women
Homelessness is typically measured by counting those who use homeless services.1 This approach fails to account for gender differences in service usage. Women made homeless due to domestic violence often seek refuge in domestic-violence shelters rather than homeless shelters.2 In the UK, this means they are at times not counted as homeless.3 Additionally, women are also more likely to experience "hidden homelessness" by staying in temporary accommodations, with friends or family, or in other living situations without legal rights to housing.3
To avoid rough sleeping and increase safety, homeless women often resort to dangerous arrangements like staying with abusive partners or entering into exploitative "sex for rent" agreements in exchange for accommodation.4 Homeless women are also at higher risk of sexual assault, with one in four rough sleeping women in the UK being sexually assaulted over the course of a year.5 Therefore, nearly all women experiencing homelessness have faced violence or abuse, both as a cause and consequence of their homelessness.4 The unique challenges and safety concerns faced by homeless women, including higher risks of violence, exploitation, and trauma, contribute to their reluctance to access mainstream homeless services designed primarily for men.
Addressing the menstrual health gap
The issue of inadequate provision for menstrual health is another critical aspect. Homeless shelters in the UK can request free condoms from the NHS but cannot request free menstrual products. As a result, shelters rely on donations or spare funds to provide these essential items. Homeless women face significant health risks like infections and rashes due to inability to properly manage their periods with adequate menstrual products and sanitation facilities, while also enduring the indignity of having to resort to unsanitary alternatives like rags, socks or reusing soiled products.6 The lack of access to menstrual supplies perpetuates a vicious cycle where period poverty leads to missed work, school or housing opportunities.6 This makes it even harder for homeless women to escape their circumstances and break out of the cycle of homelessness and poverty. Several petitions have been started in the UK, urging the government to fund and distribute free sanitary products to homeless women. Despite these efforts, the UK government has yet to implement a nationwide program to address this issue of period poverty among the homeless population.
The Vavengers' approach and the need for support
The Vavengers are tackling these issues head-on with pop-up holistic support and wellness hubs. These hubs are the UK's first and only spaces of their kind, providing a safe environment for women and girls who are survivors or at risk of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). Staffed by Community Ambassadors who are experts or survivors themselves, the hubs offer support that is both knowledgeable and empathetic.
Services Provided by The Vavengers’ Hubs
Wellbeing Sessions: These sessions focus on mental health and wellness, offering a crucial space for relaxation and recovery.
Informative Talks: Covering all forms of VAWG and survivors’ stories, these talks educate and empower women to recognise and combat violence.
Distribution of Essentials: The hubs provide basic necessities like food and period pads – period products are supplied by the amazing charity Bloody Good Period who exist to end period poverty and break the stigma around menstrual bleeding
Safe Spaces: Women can receive information and referrals to other support services available in the UK.
Explore The Vavengers’ upcoming hubs here
The urgent need for more funding
The demand for our services at The Vavengers is increasing, highlighting the urgent need for more support and funding. Recent funding losses have severely jeopardised our ability to reach and support the many vulnerable women who depend on us. Our vital hubs, which provide safety, resources, and community, are at risk. We are determined to resume operations in London and expand beyond, but this can only happen with new funding opportunities and partnerships.
We need your help. By supporting The Vavengers, you ensure that more women receive the critical assistance they need and deserve. Whether through donations, partnerships, or spreading the word, your support makes a tangible difference.
If you are interested in attending our hubs, learning more about our work, or discussing partnerships and funding opportunities, please contact us at info@thevavengers.co.uk. Every bit of support helps us continue our mission.
Conclusion
Addressing the data gap in homelessness is crucial for recognising and supporting homeless women effectively. The Vavengers play a role in this effort, offering holistic support and advocating for the rights and needs of women affected by FGM/C and VAWG. By improving data collection and support services, and by securing essential funding, we can create a more inclusive and effective response to homelessness and violence against women and girls, ensuring no woman is left behind.
References
1. People experiencing homelessness, England and Wales - Office for National Statistics [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/housing/articles/peopleexperiencinghomelessnessenglandandwales/census2021.
2. Women who have survived domestic abuse and their experiences of temporary safe accommodation in England - Office for National Statistics [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/crimeandjustice/articles/womenwhohavesurviveddomesticabuseandtheirexperiencesoftemporarysafeaccommodationinengland/januarytojune2023#1-main-points.
3. “Hidden” homelessness in the UK: evidence review - Office for National Statistics [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/housing/articles/hiddenhomelessnessintheukevidencereview/2023-03-29.
4. The Hidden Truth about Homelessness (2011). Crisis [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.crisis.org.uk/ending-homelessness/homelessness-knowledge-hub/types-of-homelessness/the-hidden-truth-about-homelessness-2011/.
5. Research reveals extent of sexual violence against female rough sleepers – womensgrid [Internet]. [cited 2024 Jun 12]. Available from: https://www.womensgrid.org.uk/?p=1928.
6. Orsini GD, Tarabay J, Hardy-Johnson PL, Barker SL, Greenway FT. The homeless period: a qualitative evidence synthesis. Women & Health [Internet]. 2024 [cited 2024 Jun 12]; 64(3):250–60. Available from: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03630242.2024.2310716.