Hidden homeless women are being missed from official figures, charities warn
Summary
Charities in England say many homeless women are not counted in official government numbers because they hide their homelessness better than men. A recent survey found about 1,400 women had slept rough in the last three months, which is much higher than the official single-night count. These women often avoid the streets and sleep in less obvious places, making it harder for support services to find and help them.Key Facts
- A survey by two charities found 1,406 women slept rough in England in the past three months.
- Official government data counted only 733 women sleeping rough on a single night in autumn 2025.
- The charities’ number is about ten times higher than official data shows in some areas.
- Many homeless women avoid visible sleeping spots and stay in hidden places like parks, buses, or hospitals.
- Women rough sleepers face more dangers such as harassment and violence.
- Two thirds of the women found in the survey would not have been counted by government methods.
- Domestic abuse is the main cause of homelessness for women, according to the charities.
- The charities call for better services tailored to the needs of homeless women to improve support.
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