Theoretical Framework
This site was developed to provide information to uplift and support homeless Woman Veterans who are also single parents. The purpose is to acknowledge the increased challenges faced in securing housing due to the intersection of multiple identities within this population with a history of systemic oppression and a societal discrimination based on gender, marital status, socioeconomic and racial affiliation and healthcare disparities. Additionally the effects of experiences which may occur in this populations as a part of their military experience such as combat exposure, military sexual trauma (MST) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will also be explored in relation to how they may impact engagement with services as this group tries to reintegrate in to the civilian community and works to regain housing.
Women have a long history of military service in the U.S. and are an increasing part of the U.S .armed forces increasing from 1.5% during the Vietnam Era, to 19% in 2018, (Mojab,1997).Displacement either through relationship breakdown or through separation from military service is particularly catastrophic to a single parent with children (Kasprow, Kane, Tsai, & Rosenheck, 2015). Shelters tend to be located in larger cities and often finding shelters that can accept children narrows choices considerably. Often homeless Women Veterans with children must rely on family or friends to provide shelter and move from place to place to avoid becoming street homeless or going to a family shelter. Sometimes these women remain in unhealthy circumstances to avoid the risk of losing their children to child protective agencies (Dale, 2013). Women and their children often become homeless because of domestic violence (DV) or Interpersonal/Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) which includes emotional abuse, financial exploitation and physical abuse (Kasprow, Kane, Tsai, & Rosenheck, 2015).
Seeking housing is challenging to anyone who has any problems with consistent employment, specific needs involving access to schools and transportation as well difficulties with regard to financial stability and less than ideal credit ratings (Comas-Diaz, 2013). Feminist theory highlights how women, more than men, face increased scrutiny and discrimination based on marital status. Often women blame themselves for rejection when applying for housing or loans, and even in the case of blatant discrimination, often lack the resources to address this injustice (Allen, 1983).Women of color, who are over-represented in homelessness when compared to the general U.S. population have a history of “…multiple and interactive forms of oppression through their exposure to racism, sexism, radicalized sexism (a despicable combination of racism and sexism),violence and trauma. These forms of oppression operate at both historical and contemporary levels.” p.347(Comas-Diaz, 2013). Although trauma and pain experienced through violence may not differ across races, Dale 2013 highlights the importance of recognizing that a woman’s narrative is impacted by race and ethnicity. Dale says 50% of women in the U.S. have had at least one traumatic exposure and of those, the majority have experienced two or more episodes. In addition 5% of military women will experience Military Sexual Trauma(MST) compared to 1% military men as reported during testimony in the U.S. House of Representatives on May 6, 2004. This resulted in the Military Sexual Trauma Counseling Act of 2004 (Public Law 102-A585 (1992)). Data from the Northeast Program Evaluation Center (NEPEC) identified that in a cohort of 443 homeless Women Veterans, 38% reported being sexually harassed and 43% reported being raped. These multiple factors appear to greatly impact the incidence of homelessness in Women Veterans who are three times more likely to be homeless than their civilian counterparts (NEPEC Report,2009). MST is also associated with increased medical and psychological problems, eating disorders, difficulties with trusting and engaging in healthcare services (Cichowski, 2019;Comas-Diaz, 2013;Dinnen & Cook, 2014)
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Allen, A. L. (1983). In C. C. Gould, Beyond Domination: New Perspectives on Women and Philosophy (pp. 233-249). Totowa: Rowan and Allanheld.
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Cichowski, S. A. (2019). Female Veterans' Experiences With VHA Treatment for Military Sexual Trauma. Federal Practitioner , 41-47.
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Comas-Diaz, L. (2013). Culturally Competent Psychological Interventions with Women of Color. In L. C.-D. Greene, Psychological Health of Women of Color:Intersections,Challenges and Opportunities (pp. 373-408). Santa Barbara: Praeger.
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Dale, J. H. (2013). Women of Color:Violence and Trauma. In L. C.-D. Green, Psychological Health of Women of Color:Intersections,Challenges, and Opportunities (pp. 133-146). Santa Barbara: Praeger.
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Kasprow, W., Kane, V., Tsai, J., & Rosenheck, R. A. (2015). Characteristics and Use of Services Among Literally Homeless and Unstably Housed U.S. Veterans With Custody of Minor Children. Psychiatric Services , 1083-1090.
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Mojab, S. (1997). Women and the Gulf War:ACritique of Feminist Responses. In T. D. White, Spoils of War (pp. 59-82). Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield.