Concerns over shortage of women-only shelters

THE majority of women who access homeless services have histories of violent victimisation, often spanning from childhood, the preliminary findings of research on women and homelessness has found.

Researchers at Trinity College Dublin, who undertook 56 interviews, found many of the women expressed a desire for women-only accommodation. They often have drug and/or alcohol problems and mental health problems, while 93% reported abusive or violent upbringings.

Homeless services have seen an increase in the number of women accessing services in the past year.