Women

Introduction

Homelessness among women is a growing problem. Women escaping situations of domestic violence make up a substantial proportion of services provided by SAAP agencies, and domestic violence was the most commonly cited reason for seeking SAAP services in 2004/05. Overall, more women either alone or with children, accessed SAAP services than men (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2006). A proportion of women who are homeless have alcohol and/or other drug (AOD) related problems, although for some AOD use is a function of their homelessness rather than the cause. As indicated in other information sheets, as well as contributing to the problems of homelessness, AOD use may be functional in terms of helping clients cope with their situation. For example, for many women who have little control of their lives, AOD may take away the pain of multiple deprivations - domestic violence, sexual abuse, children being taken from them.

Issues to consider when providing assistance

• Single homeless women are less likely to congregate in places where other sub-groups of homeless people gather, partly to minimise their risk of violence and sexual assault. However, this functional behaviour may correspondingly make it harder for them to access services;
• Women who have become homeless may be escaping from domestic violence or sexual abuse and may need extra protection and care to ensure that they are not exposed to further harm from perpetrators. In addition, they may be exposed to domestic or sexual violence in the streets.

Issues to consider in assessment and referral

• Heroin, alcohol and poly drug use are likely to be among the most commonly reported ‘problem’ drugs among homeless women. Misuse of benzodiazepines and narcotic analgesics is also a concern in some communities;
• Homeless women often have dependent children, which impacts on their ability to gain assistance with both accommodation and treatment services;
• You need to respond sensitively to those with children so that you respect the mother-child bond. It is important to offer reassurance that the child will not be separated during this time, or to assist in the provision of regular contact and unobstructed access if separation occurs. You may need to engage with child protection services to ensure the safety of the child(ren);
• Homeless women may have an overall poor general health status. They may suffer from respiratory disorders, hepatitis C and B and nutritional deficiencies;
• Psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, eating disorders, self-mutilation, and suicide attempts are possible risks.. It is important for service providers to have an awareness of these factors when assisting women and refer to agency protocols in response;
• Homeless women who are pregnant need to be encouraged to seek out medical assistance and to manage their alcohol and other drug use. The desire to care for their newborn can be a spur for homeless women to tackle their AOD problems through participating in treatment programs. Providers should be aware of the signs of early pregnancy and talk to the women concerned about options for suitable healthcare; and
• Many homeless women with AOD disorders have experienced trauma, either prior to or while being homeless, and therefore it is important that treatment address such issues as well as alcohol and other drug problems.

Sources

The information contained in this guideline sheet has been sourced from interviews with homeless people, focus groups with practitioners, consultation with experts in the field, and a review of homeless studies undertaken by researchers at the National Drug Research Institute, Ted Noffs Foundation, WA Drug and Alcohol Office and St Bartholomew’s House. The “Crisis Referral Tool for AOD Services” developed by The Drug and Alcohol Office: Perth, WA was also used in the development of this information. The following references were cited in this information sheet:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2006). Homeless people in SAAP: SAAP National Data Collection annual report 2004–05 Australia. AIHW cat. no. HOU 132. Canberra: AIHW (SAAP NDCA report. Series 10). http://www.aihw.gov.au/publications/index.cfm/title/10419.

Swift, W., Copeland, J., & Hall, W. (1996). Characteristics of women with alcohol and other drug problems: Findings of an Australian national survey. Addiction, 91(8), 1141–1150.

Syngajewski, L., O'Leary, D., Koch, J., Flynn, D., & Owens, H. (2007). Women who are single and homeless: Myths and realities Parity.