Glasgow’s homeless women are trapped in a cycle of violence due to the housing crisis
Glasgow: A troubling situation is unfolding for homeless women in the city. Many are being pushed back into abusive homes because they feel they have no other choice.
Campaigners are raising alarms about how the housing crisis is forcing mothers to stay with violent partners just to keep their kids. It’s heartbreaking.
Some women are even opting to sleep on the streets or crash on friends’ sofas instead of staying in unsafe hotels. These places can be downright dangerous, with reports of violence and assaults.
Laura Jones from the Scottish Tenants’ Organisation has noted a sharp rise in women reporting fear and violence while homeless. It’s a serious issue that needs attention.
Recent stats show that 108 families in Glasgow are stuck in B&Bs or hotels, which is against the law. Many of these places are in terrible condition, and housing charity Shelter says women are struggling to find safe homes.
It’s a tough choice for many mothers who have fled with their kids, only to find themselves back with their abusive partners.
Jones pointed out that the number of families in these unsafe hotels has skyrocketed. She’s worried that Glasgow City Council isn’t providing the help people legally deserve.
More women are becoming homeless, often with children, and fleeing from domestic violence. It’s a sad reality.
At the Homeless Project Scotland emergency shelter, the situation is dire. They’re overwhelmed and might even face closure due to planning issues.
Jones mentioned that the temporary accommodations offered to women are so unsafe that many would rather sleep outside or find a mattress at a night shelter.
It’s shocking that such a vital facility could be shut down, especially since it offers support and a dedicated space for women.
She’s heard from women who are terrified after staying in hotels for the homeless, like the Queen’s Park Hotel, where tragic incidents have occurred.
Jones has helped many women find short-term beds at the Homeless Project Scotland. She’s heard countless horror stories about these hotels.
Rooms without locks, mold, and poor security are just some of the issues. There are reports of men barging into women’s rooms and attacking them. It’s hard to believe this is happening.
Some women are even choosing to sleep rough rather than risk being placed in a hotel. They’re scared of what might happen.
Many women fleeing violent situations worry that if they admit to sleeping in a shelter or on the street, they could lose their kids to the council.
This has led to some children being sent back to abusive fathers or unsuitable family members, which is just tragic.
Jones emphasized that many of these experiences aren’t reflected in official homeless statistics.
She’s meeting more women who are at their breaking point, dealing with family breakdowns and violence. It’s heartbreaking to hear their stories.
These women need safe, secure places with privacy and support. We really need more halfway houses for women and children to avoid these dangerous hotels.
A report from Shelter Scotland highlighted how the housing crisis disproportionately affects women, especially those escaping domestic abuse.
It pointed out that women face higher poverty rates and rely more on social security, making it harder for them to find housing.
Homeless services often aren’t equipped to meet women’s specific needs, particularly those fleeing violence.
The report suggests increasing social housing and creating a ‘fund to leave’ for women in abusive situations.
Alison Watson, Director of Shelter Scotland, noted that child-caring responsibilities often fall to women, so the rise in child homelessness hits women the hardest.
Scotland is facing a housing emergency, with over 40,000 homeless people and more than 10,000 kids living in poor temporary homes.
Budget cuts and rising demand, especially from asylum seekers, are making things worse.
A spokesperson for Glasgow’s Health and Social Care Partnership said they’re pushing for more funding to help with the influx of people needing assistance.
They acknowledged the extreme pressure on the housing system but are working hard to prioritize families with children.
Unfortunately, demand is outpacing availability, leading to longer stays in emergency accommodations.
They’re trying to find alternatives to B&Bs, but the situation remains unacceptable, and they’re advocating for more resources from both governments.
It’s a tough time for many, and the community needs to come together to support those in need.
