Women, homelessness and multiple disadvantage in Stoke-on-Trent: The need for safe places in the context of wider health and social inequalities

Abstract

This article is based on two qualitative studies related to women’s experiences of homelessness and multiple disadvantage in Stoke-on-Trent (one of the 20% most ‘deprived’ districts in England, with higher than average rates of statutory homelessness). This research utilised a participatory approach, with collaboration between researchers from Staffordshire University’s Centre for Health and Development (CHAD) and Expert Citizens C.I.C. Qualitative data collection occurred with 10 women with lived experiences of homelessness and local services (conducted by Expert Citizens) and 20 frontline workers/wider stakeholders (conducted by CHAD). For this article, we conducted thematic analysis to identify patterns across both studies. Three themes are discussed: ‘So much unmet need’ and revolving doors for women; the lack of safe accommodation for women and ‘risky’ alternatives; creating safe spaces for women and the need for longer-term investment and opportunities. There was surprise at how many women came forward for accommodation during ‘Everyone In’ and evolving recognition of gendered experiences of homelessness combined with other experiences. Next steps for action are discussed, highlighting the importance of partnerships and collaboration with people with lived experience. We have strong foundations to build on, and far more to be done, to improve women’s experiences within Stoke-on-Trent.

Women, Addictions, Mental Health, Dishonesty, and Crime Stigma: Solutions to Reduce the Social Harms of Stigma

“…It seems apparent that this manager lacked knowledge of the decade of research that explains why women return to abusive partners [67]. Evidence-based practice advocates for women to be safeguarded via meeting accommodation needs due to increased vulnerability to abuse and exploitation when homeless [24]. Many women in our study disclosed domestic abuse victimisation, including head injury, and it is surprising that there was no mention of referrals to head trauma injury specialists.…”

“…For data collection with women with lived experience of drug and alcohol services, a feminist approach intertwined with participatory methodology, with an all-female research team conducting interviews and focus groups with women in recovery (n = 28) who were accompanied and supported by female professionals (n = 5). A feminist approach was selected due to our understanding that women may have experienced drug and sex trafficking grooming predominantly by males [3,23,24,27]. Females researching with females reduces the power dynamics for the researched [49,50], with recognition of the global experience of 'oppression and exploitation' that women encounter (p. 4, [51]).…”

“…Stigma is evident in the actions of others, including male service users targeting female service with previous sex work experience to initiate exploitative relationships to fund their substance use [3,23]. Exploitative 'survival sex' and sex work also occur for homeless women with multiple needs, including drugs, alcohol, and mental health [24]. Homeless women experience multiple stigmas [25], which are likely exacerbated by the contravening of the woman as a homemaker gender norm [26].…”

“…Data collected by academics and lived experience experts was inductively processed, using reflective thematic analysis [57,58] and conducted by an academic and lived experience expert, with wider team sense checking via meetings, email exchange and informally during data collection commutes. Sense checking in participatory research is helpful with academics leading the analysis and dissemination work [24,48]. Data collected from the Centre for Justice Innovation was deductively processed using themes identified from initial secondary research.…”

Identifying alcohol and drug related harms and appropriate treatment pathways for women

“…Women talked about males targeting the most vulnerable women in the group for relationship purposes and then requesting engagement in sex work to cover both of their addiction habits. McCormack and Fedorowicz (2022) highlight some women experiencing multiple disadvantage, including substance use, engage in 'survival sex' when there is the additional need of housing. With such exploitative practices taking place, mixed gender services present clear safeguarding concerns.…”