Risk factors for major violence among homeless women

Violence against women is a significant public health, criminal, and social problem, but survey research with a focus on homeless women's experiences of violence is limited Using self-report data from a probability sample of 974 homeless women in Los Angeles County, California, this study examines s everity of homelessness, social and family characteristics, subsistence act ivities, and alcohol and drug abuse or dependence as predictors of major vi olence (i.e., being kicked, bitten, hit with a fist or object, beaten up, c hoked, burned, or threatened or harmed with a knife or gun). One third of t he women experienced major violence during the year before they were interv iewed. Greater severity of homelessness, engaging in subsistence activities , and victimization during childhood were significant predictors of major v iolence. Analyses suggested that drug dependence might influence victimizat ion risk through sex trade. Major violence against homeless women requires attention from multiple service sectors.