, trauma and poor mental health can all contribute to and complicate the issue of homelessness.
"Women dealing with problems such as homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence and poor mental health tend to be less well served by services and often don't have an opportunity to have their voices heard." Joanne explained,"This is an important finding because research tells us that women are far more likely to be what we would call 'hidden homeless' and often go under the radar. But sofa surfing has a comparable impact on health and well-being to rough sleeping in the long term.
further damaged their mental health and self-esteem. However, very few of the women has accessed a domestic abuse refuge, potentially reflecting exclusion criteria for those dealing with other issues such as addiction. Professor Monique Lhussier, Joanne's Ph.D. supervisor and Director of Northumbria University's flagship Center for Health and Social Equity , said,"This research is incredibly important in giving a voice to women whose stories are often discredited. It builds on other work we are undertaking around multiple and complex lives and how services could support them more effectively.
, written by Joanne, Professor Lhussier, Dr. Natalie Forster from Northumbria's Department of Social Work, Education and Community Well-being, and Dr. Stephen Crossley from the Department of Sociology at Durham University.International Journal of Environmental Research and Public HealthSarah Walters, Head of Best Practice at Crisis, said,"This research shines a light on some of the extreme complexities around homelessness among women.