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Study found that approximately 40% of women experiencing homelessness had suffered sexual violence at some point in their lives—a prevalence significantly higher than that observed among housed women and among men experiencing homeless.

The proportion of women experiencing homelessness is increasing, a phenomenon often referred to as the feminization of homelessness. Sexual violence is a key factor associated with women’s pathways into and experiences of homelessness. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the prevalence of sexual violence among women experiencing homelessness and compared it with that of housed women and men experiencing homeless. Twenty-one studies published up to March 2023 were included, and five meta-analyses were conducted. Results indicated that approximately 40% of women experiencing homelessness had suffered sexual violence at some point in their lives—a prevalence significantly higher than that observed among housed women and among men experiencing homeless. These findings highlight the urgent need for gender-sensitive housing policies and trauma-informed interventions to protect the rights, safety, and well-being of women experiencing homelessness.

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