"Stans starkaste överlevare" : En studie om utsatthet hos hemlösa kvinnor ur personalens perspektiv

This study investigates how and to what extent homeless women are exposed, both economically, individually and socially. This is investigated from the perspective of employees who work with homelessness on day-care activities, support organizations, hostels and employment activities (which offer an income opportunity for homeless people). The study is qualitative, and information has been gathered through semi-structured interviews with 12 respondents in seven different activities. The collected material has been reviewed and compared with previous research and analyzed by Bronfenbrenner's ecological development theory. The result shows that homeless women to a large extent are exposed economically, since most are unemployed and rely on alternative income paths like crime and prostitution. They are also exposed individually, primarily due the fact that the homeless women have impaired physical and mental health as well as abuse problems. The women are also vulnerable to violence and living in an existence characterized by insecurity, shame and guilt. The social vulnerability is characterized by a lack of network to family and friends and destructive environments which complicates their ability to change their situation. The treatment from the healthcare and authorities is emphasized as problematic and the collaboration between them needs to be further investigated and improved. Keywords: homelessness, woman, vulnerability, violence, abuse, insecurity, crim