Victimization and Traumatic Injuries Among the Homeless: Associations With Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Problems

Data from a 1987 survey of 1,260 homeless adults in New York City show that mental problems & substance dependence were significantly linked to beating & sexual assault among women & to several types of injury & victimization among men. A previous suicide attempt was reported by 15.8% of the women compared to 10.4% of men. Previous suicide attempts were significantly correlated with robbery by force, being beaten with a heavy object, sexual assault, fear of being harmed & limb fractures.