Novas Annual Report 2021

Annual Report 2021
In Dublin, NOVAS provides three female accommodation services. Women
comprise approximately one-third of the homeless population in Ireland
(considering single adults and families) and targeted interventions and
responses are essential. The vast majority of the women that live in our
services have experienced domestic, sexual or gender-based violence as well
as coercive control. Segregated services can enhance a sense of safety and
foster engagement among some women.
A recent European study, examining female homelessness, pointed to the
unique and complex needs of homeless women, often relating to separation
from their children. The study found that women frequently accessed formal
homeless services as a last resort (thus remaining hidden homeless) because
of the male dominated environments within homeless services. It particularly
pointed to Ireland in this regard. 1 The complex needs of homeless women can
be very different to those of their male counterparts. The research recognised
the value of female only services that responds to the specific needs of
women.
Self-harm, suicidal ideation and suicide attempts among the women living in
our services were very prevalent in 2021. Alarmingly, in one of our women’s
services in Dublin, staff cut women down, who had a cord around their
neck, on more than 20 occasions during the year. Such statistics highlight the
complex and challenging needs of the women who live in our services and
the degree of support and care they require. Our trauma informed practice
has been very successful in maintaining engagement among hard-to-reach
women who have experienced multiple traumas in their lives and are prone
to regular disengagement from services. We are committed to enhancing
and developing our responses for homeless women, particularly relating
to supporting them to secure sustainable and safe housing solutions that
recognises their vulnerabilities.
1 Bretherton, J. and Mayock, P., Women’s Homelessness. European Evidence Review, FEANTSA, 2021, p. 6 & 8.
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