| Eleven homeless women and eleven providers of homeless services were administered qualitative surveys asking about the experience of homelessness for women. Both groups were asked, "Is it possible for a woman to be safe while on the streets?" Most homeless women emotionally and vehemently answered, "No!" Most providers also answered, though less passionately, that it was impossible for women to be safe on the streets. When asked, "What was the worst thing that happened to you while on the streets?" Most of the women spoke of rape and gang rape. The other eighteen per cent became suddenly uncommunicative regarding the issue, suggesting that they, too, have experienced trauma. Many homeless women in Little Rock are unsheltered for most of the month due to the scarcity of shelter beds for women. There is a crucial need for more women's shelters. |
