CLOSER NEWS REPORT
Latest figures show the number of homeless women has risen by 44 per cent. We find out what’s behind the rise and speak to a woman who endured a year living on the streets…
For a harrowing year, Esther Smith was homeless, and during that time she was spat on, kicked and insulted. She became adept at finding places to keep warm – hospital waiting rooms, libraries and buses were some of the places she went, only to be moved on when people realised she was homeless.
And yet she counts herself as one of the lucky ones. She wasn’t attacked so violently that she needed hospitalisation or sexually assaulted – something many women endure when they’re forced to sleep rough. Esther, 53, who’s now got her own flat through Nacro Housing, explains, “I’d been living in Peterborough when I fled from an abusive relationship. I had no support and ended up sleeping rough in south London.
“I was scared all the time, but I learnt never to show my fear as that makes you more vulnerable. I consider myself lucky as I’m 5ft 9 and able to look after myself. All I wanted was to be safe. I was given a sleeping bag by a charity and I had a few clothes – but that was it. I’d wash quickly in restaurant toilets and sleep wherever I could, on buses or tubes. But I never slept deeply – you have to keep one eye open to feel safe.”
EXHAUSTING
Esther, who was a carer for the elderly before her life unravelled, adds, “Members of the public insult you – they spat on me and kicked me while I was asleep. It was cold and exhausting. I didn’t want to beg but I was so grateful if people gave me food or drink. I had regular spots that I’d go to. Most of the time I stayed outside a hospital as there are plenty of people coming and going, so I felt as safe as I could, and there were bathrooms I could use. Occasionally I’d sit in A&E just to stay warm, as my bones ached from the cold – that’s the reality of living on the streets.”
And tragically there are more women like Esther than ever before. According to official government figures, there are 309,000 people homeless today – a 26 per cent increase in people sleeping rough – and 14 per cent of rough sleepers are women. Homeless people are 17 times more likely to be the victim of violent crime and 47 times more likely to be the victim of theft. More than one in three have been deliberately hit, kicked or experienced some other form of violence while sleeping rough.
ABUSE
Simon Hughes, head of housing and support at Nacro, explains, “The cost-of-living crisis combined with cuts in housing, health and social care services will only mean further increases in rough sleeping.
“Half of women sleeping rough have experienced domestic abuse and a high proportion have a history of being in care or experiencing sexual or emotional abuse at
