Protecting women with multiple and complex needs from gendered violence: impediments to obtaining and maintaining safe and secure accommodation in a European context

Abstract

The aim of this article is to identify the key impediments to accessing and sustaining safe and secure accommodation by women with multiple and complex needs within a European context. Women with multiple and complex needs are particularly vulnerable to various forms of violence against them and homelessness is often one of their particular needs. The European context is important because ending violence against women is a key priority of the European Union, yet this particularly vulnerable group has largely been overlooked in key strategy. This research was part of a European Union-funded project and a pragmatic, phenomenological approach was taken to the research, employing interviews with key stakeholders (women and professionals who work with them) from five European countries. Using Maslow’s hierarchy of needs as a framework of analysis, the key findings were that accommodation is a key requirement for women with multiple needs to receive the treatment they need. However, simply providing safe and secure accommodation is not enough; rather, a coordinated, wraparound service is required to ensure that women successfully address their multiple needs and are empowered to sustain their tenancies and, ultimately, become self-actualised.