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Associations Between Violence and Psychological Distress Among Women Experiencing Homelessness: A Cross-Sectional
Anna Klarare1,2, Elisabet Mattsson2,3, Sophie Nadia Gaber2
1The Connell School of Nursing, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Boston, MA, USA.
Violence Against Women
|June 24, 2025
Summary
Women experiencing homelessness face high violence exposure, leading to increased psychological distress. Addressing this requires healthcare recognition and trauma-informed interventions for better mental well-being.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Mental Health Research
- Sociology
Background:
- Women experiencing homelessness are a vulnerable population.
- Violence exposure is a significant risk factor for psychological distress.
- Understanding the specific types and perpetrators of violence is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between violence exposure and psychological distress in women experiencing homelessness.
- To identify the impact of different forms of violence (emotional, physical, sexual) and perpetrators (close vs. non-close relationships) on mental well-being.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey design with 41 women experiencing homelessness.
- Assessment of emotional, physical, and sexual violence exposure.
- Evaluation of psychological distress and its correlation with violence exposure.
Main Results:
- High levels of violence exposure were reported among participants.
- Greater exposure to violence was significantly associated with increased psychological distress.
- Each form of violence within close relationships was independently linked to higher distress.
Conclusions:
- Violence is a major contributor to psychological distress in women experiencing homelessness.
- Healthcare providers and policymakers must recognize the pervasive impact of violence.
- Comprehensive, trauma-informed interventions are necessary to support this population's mental well-being.
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