NCJ Number
208373
Journal
Journal of Interpersonal Violence Volume: 16 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2001 Pages: 739-752
Editor(s)
Jon R. Conte
Date Published
August 2001
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This study examined risk factors for experiencing major violence in a large probability sample of homeless women from a large county in California.
Abstract
Studies which have examined the prevalence, risk factors, and impacts of violence against women in the general population continue to increase. However, research focusing on homeless women’s experiences of violence has and continues to remain limited. This study investigated the severity of homelessness, social and family characteristics, subsistence activities, and alcohol and drug abuse as predictors of major violence (i.e., being kicked, bitten, hit with a fist or object, beaten up, choked, burned, or threatened or harmed with a knife or a gun) in a sample of 974 homeless women in Los Angeles County, CA. The participants provided self-report information on major violence experienced during the past 12 months. Results indicated that the well-being of one-third of the homeless women was endangered by major violence during the year before they were interviewed. These findings were consistent with the limited number of other studies of homeless women that investigated this issue. Overall, the study provides evidence of the significance of several characteristics that are plausible risk factors for major violence against homeless women. Further longitudinal research is recommended to clarify the associations between recent major violence, severity of homelessness, childhood violence, and subsistence activities. References