Thousands of young people are at increasing risk of harm and abuse as a result of the economic impact of Covid-19, according to the youth homelessness charity DePaul UK.
In a new report, Danger Zones and Stepping Stones: Phase Three, the charity warns that, without a home, young people frequently end up becoming victims of physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
Sir Trevor McDonald, De Paul president, said at a parliamentary reception for peers and MPs to launch the report: “Homelessness among young people is a great problem. We called for a debate into this [four years ago]. The debate goes on. The issue of homelessness is still as relevant today as it was when we launched the first Danger Zones report in 2016.
“Young people are still homeless without places to go. Now we know more from the research of the consequences: physical abuse, sexual abuse, mental abuse.”
Sir Trevor added: “Most of the people who experience homelessness first become homeless between the ages of 16 and 24. So it is important that we tackle the problem at its source, where it starts.
“It is appropriate this report is entitled Danger Zones and Stepping Stones because it provides the diagnostic tools that professionals can use to help people step out of Danger Zones and into a place of greater safety.
“There are many, many young people who are desperately in need of this help. This is not just a research project. It is something that gives an idea of what can be done in practical terms to help people get a better life.”
The latest research by DePaul, supported by LetterOne, explores the risks faced by young people in temporary accommodation.
Around one in five young women who took part in the research had been sexually abused or exploited and two-thirds of those identifying as LGBTQ+ had experienced some form of harm in temporary living arrangements.
Depaul UK is calling for the Government to do more to prevent youth homelessness and on Prime Minister Boris Johnson to act on his commitment to launch a review into the causes of rough sleeping, with a specific emphasis on young people.
The charity is also calling on the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to fund a national youth homelessness prevention programme.
Depaul UK chief executive Mike Thiedke warned: “Covid is placing thousands of young people at risk of harm and abuse.
“Tens of thousands of young people in the UK are finding themselves jobless through the economic impact of Covid, and the signs are there that youth homelessness is increasing.
“As the days get shorter and the weather colder, desperate young people are being forced to sleep in dangerous places. If we’re not careful the current pandemic could place thousands more young people at risk of harm and abuse.”
He added: “It’s vital that those facing homelessness receive the necessary support to escape homelessness, stay safe and move into stable accommodation.
“To do this, homelessness charities like Depaul UK need to be able to work closely with central government, local authorities and elected mayors to ensure we can meet the needs of the most vulnerable in our society.”
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