THE PREVALENCE OF ABUSE AMONG HOMELESS AND HOUSED POOR MOTHERS - A COMPARISON STUDY

The history of physical and sexual abuse among 50 homeless and 50 housed poor mothers was compared, with particular attention to details of prevalence, type, and severity. No significant differences were found except in higher reported rates of sexual abuse in adulthood among housed mothers. However, 89% of the total sample reported experiencing some form of abuse in their lifetimes. The unexpected lack of differential and the high prevalence rates are discussed in terms of service delivery and social policy implications.