No abstract

Homelessness is an important risk factor for gender-based violence (GBV), particularly among youth, and disproportionally affects women and girls. Survivors of GBV experience enduring and severe physical, psychological, and sexual health problems. Although key elements in service delivery for survivors of GBV have been identified, little is known about outcomes of community-based programs aiming to assist homeless and unstably housed youth experiencing GBV. This longitudinal study aimed to quantitatively evaluate changes in mental health and well-being outcomes in female identified youth experiencing GBV and homelessness, 12 months after enrolment in a community-based, trauma-informed, brief group psychoeducation intervention. Standardized survey measures were administered at baseline, 6 and 12 months for 70 participants, recruited between February 2017 and April 2019, assessing quality of life, psychological distress, traumatic symptoms, substance use, resilience, victimization, and sense of mastery. Linear mixed models were used to examine longitudinal changes in quality of life as well as secondary outcomes among study participants. After 12 months, quality of life increased significantly among participants (p = 0.009), and the 12-month victimization score was significantly decreased relative to baseline (p = 0.05). Changes in other outcomes were not statistically significant. Findings suggest that community-based brief group psychoeducation interventions may be a promising approach to improving outcomes for this disadvantaged population.

Little is known regarding the types of interventions most effective in supporting wellness and recovery of victims of gender-based violence, particularly those simultaneously experiencing homelessness. This qualitative study explored the experiences of 18 young women experiencing gender-based violence and homelessness who participated in a community-based, trauma-informed group intervention in Toronto, Canada. Participants completed audio-recorded and transcribed semi-structured interviews, analyzed using thematic content analysis. Participants described valuing the safe, women-only space, shared lived experiences, and tailored psychoeducation and resulting improvements in confidence, coping, health, relationships, and future directedness. Findings suggest community-based, trauma-informed group interventions can facilitate wellness and recovery in this population.

Gender‐based violence is associated with an elevated risk of physical and psychological harm for girls and women. This study examines service user and provider experiences of a trauma‐informed, peer‐facilitated group psychosocial intervention (Peer Education and Connection through Empowerment [PEACE]) targeting female‐identified youth experiencing homelessness and gender‐based violence. Participants were recruited among service users and providers of the intervention, delivered in Toronto, Canada. We conducted 19 semi‐structured interviews between May and October 2017, engaging 12 service users and 7 additional stakeholders (including social service providers, peers and program administrators). We elicited participant perspectives on the acceptability of the intervention and key enablers of successful implementation and engagement of the target population. Qualitative transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Service users, including survivors of sexual exploitation, forced marriage and honour crimes, described satisfaction with and acceptability of the intervention. A number of factors were perceived by service users and providers as contributing to the intervention's successful implementation, including a focus on service user needs, program quality, flexibility and accessibility and strong inter‐and intra‐agency networks. Introducing peers as mentors led to challenges that could be mitigated through peer mentor education and training to maintain healthy boundaries and enhance peer mentor retention. The need for clear guidelines on the management of trauma disclosures in community settings and a systems‐wide approach to service provider and administrator training in the effective integration of peer support services also emerged as important areas for future development. A group‐based, trauma‐informed and peer‐supported psychosocial intervention was acceptable to service users and providers and successfully engaged female‐identified survivors of gender‐based violence who were also experiencing homelessness. Findings add to the scant knowledge base on interventions to support this population and identify important areas for future research.

Background: Adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) have high rates of homelessness. This observational study evaluates Bridges to Housing, a cross-sector intervention offering immediate access to housing and supports to this population in Toronto, Canada. Methods: Twenty-six participants, enrolled between April 2016 and December 2017, were assessed at baseline, six and 12 months post-enrolment. Descriptive statistics and generalized linear modelling evaluated quality of life (QOL) and service needs outcomes. Twenty-one service users and providers participated in semi-structured interviews between August 2017 and June 2018 to elicit their experiences of the intervention, which were analysed thematically. Results: Twelve months post-enrolment, 24 participants were successfully housed and reported increased QOL scores (F(2,43) = 13.73, p = <.001) and decreased perceived unmet service needs (Wald χ 2 (2) = 12.93, p = .002). Individual-, interventionand system-level characteristics facilitated housing stability in this population. Conclusions: Cross-sector approaches can improve outcomes for homeless adults with IDD and may have an important role in supporting this marginalized population.