Women, Homelessness and Service Provision 31 “I went to refuge and then I live in women’s refuge for 1½ months, but after two weeks there I got this accommodation transitional housing because they knew my story and I was very determined … so they offer me the place straight away. I got the offer, I didn’t ask them, they offered me the accommodation, everything to keep me safe, to keep me secure … I am living in heaven now.” (Aisha, 31) As stated earlier, many of the women who had experienced domestic violence did not access domestic violence services, often because of their problematic use of alcohol and/or drugs. Importantly, accounts such as Aisha’s, Teresksa’s and Bina’s (all quoted above) were restricted to those women who did not report substance use issues and problems. Negative experiences and interactions with services were also very present in the women’s narratives and these accounts were often characterised by feelings of dissatisfaction, a lack of control or ‘say’ in their everyday lives and feelings of disempowerment. These accounts were not simply limited to expressions of dissatisfaction with certain rules within accommodation settings but also frequently highlighted perceived unequal power dynamics. For example, several women described feeling ignored by service providers and a number felt strongly that staff members’ views or ‘versions of events’ were often privileged over theirs. Donna, who was residing in transitional homeless accommodation at time of interview, described this dynamic. “When I signed up for here transitional accommodation we were all supposed to be treated equal, you know, residents and staff but in some cases it’s not. And that is when a row occurs but of course, you know, no matter what happens, it is always our fault, you know that kind of way.” (Donna, 35) A considerable number of women described feeling judged and/or treated badly by staff members and these experiences invariably reinforced stigma and women’s sense of marginality. “I went over there to that place homeless service. They residents have been looked down upon and treated like as if they were inside the rubbish bin, that is the way they treat them. They are abrupt and rude and it wasn’t just me. I mean that would put you back to square one.” (Imelda, 34) The theme of powerlessness in the context of service interactions emerged strongly in many of the women’s accounts and, for several, there was an apparent dis-connect between the nature of the support offered and their personal sense of what they needed. Furthermore, women frequently felt that their views and preferences were sometimes overlooked or even disregarded by service providers. Fionnula, for example, spoke at length about how her key worker’s views on her accommodation needs were not congruous with her perspectives. Her account illustrates the consequences of perceived unequal power relations as well as the disabling impact of these dynamics on women who have multiple and complex needs but also hold legitimate views on what they feel would most appropriately match their hopes and aspirations.
Women, Homelessness and Service Provision
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