Rough sleeping is dangerous for everyone, but women on the streets face additional risks.

• It is estimated that 1 in 4 women have been sexually assaulted whilst sleeping rough
• Experiences of violence and domestic abuse are ‘near universal’ among women rough sleeping
• The average age of death for a homeless woman is just 43 years old.

Research has shown that one of the biggest barriers to helping women away from homelessness is not having any safe accommodation to refer them to. Many women say they don’t feel comfortable in mixed-sex services and there are very few women-only services.

This week, The Connection and St Martin’s Trust has opened Julia’s House, a brand new specialist therapeutic accommodation service for women experiencing homelessness.

Julia’s House is the result of the 18 Keys project on the St Martin’s House site, and contains two new flats and a communal area for women to socialise, cook together and take part in groups and activities.

MEL GIEDROYC ATTENDED AND SAID ‘Like me, you all clearly understand, on a very deep level, the importance of a sense of home. And I’m sure you’ll agree that when you come into Julia’s House, it feels like a home.’

The Connection’s Chief Executive Pam Orchard said ‘Sleeping rough is an incredibly dangerous and vulnerable situation for women, and coming here is like stepping into a whole new world.’

Lisa’s story

After leaving a violent relationship, Lisa spent years sleeping on the streets before moving between unsuitable hotels and mixed refuges.

“Not one of them was ever women-only,” she says. “Some of the places I stayed… they just weren’t safe. I went through three and a half years of hell.”

Everything changed when she moved into St Martin’s House a few months ago.

“From the moment I moved in, I felt safe. And that feeling… only women who’ve been through domestic violence know how important that is. This house gives you the help you actually need. I never knew a place like this existed.”

The contrast with her past is stark.

“I was in a hotel once where I was the only woman on a floor with 19 men. I was hassled all the time, people knocking on my door all day and night. There was only one kitchen, and I never went in there. I hardly ate – just sandwiches in my room. It was awful.”

“Coming here was a blessing. I think about all the women out there who need this help but can’t get it… there’s just not enough places like this.”

For Lisa, the sense of community has been really important.

“It feels a bit like a family here. You can pop downstairs and say, ‘I’m watching this programme, do you want to join me?’ It’s good to have people to talk to.”

She’s now rebuilding her life with confidence.

“I’ve got my grandson back after losing him for two years. I’m not losing my family again. They’re everything – my mum, dad, daughters, my grandchildren. I’m determined to move forward with my life. Without this place… honestly, what would I do?”