The recently released data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) sheds light on the distressing prevalence of violence against women in India. According to the survey, nearly 30% of women aged 18 to 49 have endured physical violence since the age of 15, with 6% reporting instances of sexual violence. This grim reality underscores the entrenched challenges faced by women across the country.
Research suggests a complex interplay between violence and mental health, with each exacerbating the other and significantly elevating the risk of homelessness. Over three decades of engagement with homeless women grappling with mental health issues at The Banyan, the organization has consistently observed the cyclical relationship between violence, homelessness, and mental well-being.
A recent survey conducted among 346 women availing outpatient services at The Banyan revealed a noteworthy correlation: relational disruptions, often stemming from experiences of violence, emerged as predictors of homelessness, even among those who sought mental health care. This observation resonates with similar studies conducted globally, highlighting the pervasive impact of violence on women’s housing stability and mental health outcomes.
Moreover, qualitative research examining narratives of trauma among women with histories of homelessness unveiled discrepancies between their lived experiences and conventional diagnostic frameworks, such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. These accounts emphasized the multifaceted nature of trauma, encompassing not only direct experiences of violence but also broader socio-economic factors like alienation, shame, and poverty.
These findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive approaches to address the intertwined challenges of violence, homelessness, and women’s mental health. By recognizing the intricate web of factors contributing to women’s vulnerability, policymakers and practitioners can formulate more effective interventions aimed at safeguarding the well-being and dignity of all women.
