Factors associated with violence against homeless people

The problem of homelessness (HLN) has been the subject of discussion in various spheres of public policy, given its complexity and the need for intervention from different sectors. Analyzing the factors associated with the types and perpetrators of violence against HLN, with special attention to drug use, social and demographic variables, and variables related to homelessness and health, is very important. This research refers to the HLN population present in the Municipality of Sorocaba. The interviews were carried out from August 2022 to July 2023, in places known to be frequented by HLN. This is a cross-sectional study involving 84 individuals. Data collection was conducted through interviews using a standardized questionnaire. This project was submitted to and approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Sorocaba. The results of the present study show high rates of drug use among the HLN population, with crack users presenting a more critical profile: irregular eating habits, history of arrest, history of psychiatric hospitalization, reports of various mental health problems, and non-adherence to prevention measures. The prevalence of reported morbidity and psychiatric hospitalizations is relevant in the sample. Victimization due to physical violence, predominantly by the police and mainly involving cocaine and crack users, is another aspect that deserves attention. The results showed that drug use is the main factor complicating access to healthcare among the HLN population, being the primary reason for the loss of housing, with family conflicts predominating as the main cause of homelessness among ...