Single Mothers, Abuse and Homelessness — It’s much worse than you think…

Unfortunately, too many people in this country still believe that homelessness is caused by laziness, lack of will power, and an inherent baseness that leads to corruption and evilness. The uninformed and the unconcerned believe that the homeless are the bums, the drug addicts, and the source of most crime in America. However, I have yet to come across a study that discusses at any length that these stereotypes are the sole and primary reasons for people living on the streets. For instance, the case for single mothers. Let me explain this further by starting with some facts:

1. In a report on Homeless Children and Youth from the National Center for Children in Poverty, over 80% of mothers with children experiencing homelessness have reported some type of abuse or assault.
2. A recent study of homeless mothers found that 93% of mothers experienced at least one traumatic event. Violent victimization was the most common traumatic experience with nearly 50% being sexually assaulted.
3. Almost half (50%) of all women who are homeless also have a major depressive disorder which is twice the rate of all other women.
4. Depression and PTSD can cause brain damage and are key contributors to substance abuse.