Gender differences can be seen from the onset of homelessness. Research has shown that the origin of homelessness has gender differences with men more likely to find themselves without accommodation as a result of a relationship breakdown with either family or a romantic partner.

A significant number of men also find themselves homeless following a period of institutionalisation, for example hospital, prison, or having aged out of the care system. Those being released from prison are often directed to the local authority for emergency accommodation, however the rising number of councils declaring a housing crisis means this is inconsistent and not guaranteed. As a result, many men find themselves rough sleeping or for some, engaging in petty crime in order to return to prison to avoid sleeping on the streets.

For women, one of the key routes to homelessness is trauma, predominantly domestic abuse. Refuge, one of the largest domestic abuse organisations in the UK, found that 40% of homeless women state their homelessness is due, at least in part, to domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is incredibly isolating, often including a range of tactics such as limiting access to resources and finances. As a result, many women find their housing situation tied to their abusive partner and once they leave, find themselves with nowhere to stay.

The differences in pathways to homelessness require very different solutions. For men, release from prison or hospital requires housing organised at the point of release in order to give them the best chance at avoiding repeat homelessness. For women, however, successful accommodation requires a safe, calm space to recover from the abuse they’ve experienced with tailored support to help them avoid similar relationships in the future.

However, many organisations agree the number of women presenting for support with housing represents a fraction of the number of women experiencing homelessness. Due to a reluctance to make their situation known to statutory services, women are more likely to exhaust all options, sofa surfing or staying with friends, in what is typically considered to be ‘hidden homeless’. This is often because they fear the assumption that seeking support will result in children in their care being removed.

The desperation to stay under the radar makes women particularly vulnerable to ‘Sex for Rent’ scenarios, with 250,000 women in England thought to have experienced what Shelter Scotland described as an “abhorrent, exploitative practice”. Sex for Rent is the transactional exchange of sexual favours for free or reduced rent, with women either agreeing to terms (though often with limited other options) or forming unwanted sexual relationships in order to stay off the streets.

The safety of children is paramount and mothers will often do whatever it takes to keep their family together. In order for women to engage more openly with support, it’s vital to challenge the assumption that seeking help will automatically lead to the removal of their children. Increasing the number of women-only services and the introduction of more family units across Scotland, would allow mothers to seek wraparound support while ensuring their children remain in their care.

In the event of finding themselves street homeless, women are much more vulnerable to violence and further trauma. A study by Crisis found that 3 in 10 women experienced sexual violence while street homeless and were 50% more likely to be threatened with violence than men. The experience of being homeless, compounded by ongoing violence or feelings of unsafety can exacerbate pre-existing poor mental health, increasing the risk of physical illness and potential substance use issues.

By increasing the availability of immediately accessible mental health support, this will allow individuals to seek support when they need it. Currently, if people are experiencing a mental health crisis during the night they are directed to A&E, which can incur barriers such as public transport availability and cost of travel. By expanding community based and out-of-hours support for those experiencing homelessness, this will allow individuals to seek help at the point of crisis, before immediate survival needs once again become a priority.

In conclusion, the routes into homelessness - as well as the experiences while homeless - show significant differences between men and women. For men, relationship breakdowns and systemic failure when duty is discharged can lead to both poorer outcomes due to street homelessness but also a lack of trust in services designed to help them. This can lead to a reluctance to engage with other support in the future, and continuing the cycle of homelessness.

For women, the trauma of abuse plus the fear of having children removed from their care creates a different path through homelessness. Depending on others for housing can in turn increase their vulnerability, putting them at further risk of abuse and exploitation. In order to support individuals to avoid repeat homelessness, it is essential that we consider the differences in gender and integrate these into policy and practice.