Sexual violence against women experiencing homelessness: Systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

The proportion of women experiencing homelessness is increasing, a phenomenon often referred to as the feminization of homelessness. Sexual violence is a key factor associated with women's pathways into and experiences of homelessness. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the prevalence of sexual violence among women experiencing homelessness and compared it with that of housed women and men experiencing homeless. Twenty-one studies published up to March 2023 were included, and five meta-analyses were conducted. Results indicated that approximately 40% of women experiencing homelessness had suffered sexual violence at some point in their lives-a prevalence significantly higher than that observed among housed women and among men experiencing homeless. These findings highlight the urgent need for gender-sensitive housing policies and trauma-informed interventions to protect the rights, safety, and well-being of women experiencing homelessness.