Experiencing Early Violence and its Implications in Adulthood. An Analysis among Women Experiencing Homelessness in Different Cultural and Socioeconomic Contexts
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.26754/ojs_ais/accionesinvestig.soc..20254711129Keywords:
Victimization, Homelessness, Childhood, Gender, Latin AmericaAbstract
Introduction. This article examines the experience of situations of violence before the age of 18 and its implications in adulthood among women experiencing homelessness (n=292) in four Spanish-speaking countries with significant socioeconomic and cultural differences: Spain (n=136), Argentina (n=72), Puerto Rico (n=54), and Nicaragua (n=30). Materials and Methods. Data were collected through interviewer-administered structured questionnaires, ensuring consistency in data collection and mitigating potential issues related to participants' reading and comprehension difficulties. Results. Women experiencing homelessness interviewed in all four countries had largely experienced physical or psychological violence, sexual assaults, and family-related violence before turning 18. Additionally, they had encountered multiple severe violent stressors, substance use-related problems, and suicide attempts in adulthood. The experience of childhood violence was particularly intense for some participants. A strong correlation was observed between childhood exposure to violence and substance use, self-harming behaviors, and experiences of violence after the age of 18. Discussion. It is essential to implement public policies, prevention programs, and gender-sensitive care interventions aimed at reducing both the number and intensity of violent situations experienced by women and girls at risk of social exclusion or homelessness.
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Dirección Nacional de Innovación, Ciencia y Tecnología,Ministerio de Ciencia e Innovación
Grant numbers PID2019-104152GB-I00/AEI /10.13039/501100011033 -
Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad
Grant numbers FEM2016-75317-R
