Violence Against the Homeless: A Closer Look at the Numbers

The numbers tell a grim story. From 2015 to 2022, there were over 42, 000 reports of violence against people experiencing homelessness. That's a lot of people hurt. The reports show a steady increase each year, except for 2020. That year, during the pandemic, the numbers dropped. But in 2021, the reports shot back up. Physical violence was the most common type of abuse. And who were the main victims? Black individuals. The data also shows some troubling patterns. For instance, violence involving guns often came from police officers. This is a big deal and needs more attention.Black men were often hurt with blunt objects, and the attackers were usually unknown. These attacks often happened in bars or similar places. On the other hand, white women faced repeated psychological and moral violence. Their attackers were often people they knew, like partners or family members. And these attacks usually happened at home. These findings show that homeless people face different kinds of dangers. They need protection and support tailored to their unique situations. The data highlights the need for better policies to keep them safe.