New Study on Homeless Women in Ireland

Key findings from a study of homeless women in Ireland were published by Trinity College Dublin researchers, Dr Paula Mayock and Sarah Sheridan of the School of Social Work and Social Policy and Children’s Research Centre this week (23rd February 2012).

Sixty homeless women were interviewed for the purpose of the study. According to Dr Paula Mayock: “The findings of this research highlight social exclusion as a defining feature of the women’s life experiences. The vast majority suffered poverty from childhood, a large number left school early and without educational qualifications, and a majority reported low levels of labour market participation. In addition to housing instability, which many experienced from a young age, a large number reported a host of other adversities – neglect and abuse during childhood, intimate partner violence, and problems related to drug or alcohol consumption – which seriously impacted their ability to access and sustain housing. Over half had experienced repeat episodes of homelessness, suggesting that the homelessness of a large number remained unresolved, sometimes over many years.”

Dr Mayock also points out that “in Ireland homelessness has been generally viewed as a phenomenon that primarily affects men. However, the findings of this research highlight several dimensions of gendered experience and indicate that the reasons form women’s homelessness differ to those of men. Gender perspectives on housing and homelessness are critical if services are to work appropriately and effectively to meet the needs of homeless women.”

Read detailed findings here.