Stories of Childhood Trauma Experienced by Women Living Houseless: Deconstructing the Concept of Protection

People living houseless have disproportionately more experiences of adverse childhood events (ACEs) when compared to those living in stable housing. Women living houseless (WLH), defined as those living without a permanent structured home, experience high rates of childhood trauma. Prior research revealed strategies that women use to protect themselves and maintain emotional and physical safety in the context of violence and houselessness. The purpose of this study was to identify stories of ACEs in qualitative interviews conducted with WLH and to examine how protection functioned in the context of those experiences. A secondary qualitative content analysis was conducted using transcripts from a prior study of WLH with a history of trauma. The research team reviewed 15 transcripts to identify those containing narratives relevant to the research question. Eight transcripts included stories of ACEs. Analysis identified two central themes: key relationships, and revictimization. The analysis revealed the severity of violent experiences described by participants and highlighted the importance of high-quality relationships as a protective resource. Quality of relationships in WLH extends the definition of protective social support. Future research should focus on the intricacies of personal relationships that support protection in WLH and minimize revictimization.