Women Veterans Study

About

This study will use a mixed-methods participatory action research approach. Up to 160 participants will take part in individual interviews.

Questioning

Open-ended questions will gather data regarding lived experiences from women Veterans experiencing or have previously experienced homelessness.

Data Collection

Quantitative data such as demographics, history of housing and homelessness, and services accessed will be collected. Up to 200 homeless-serving and Veteran-serving agency staff will also be recruited to participate in focus groups.

Data Analysis

Open-ended data will be analyzed using a thematic ethnographic analysis strategy to capture the social and cultural interpretations.

What this study will look into

This study aims to identify key factors and barriers contributing to homelessness among women Veterans. By examining demographic, social, and military-related factors, the study seeks to develop targeted interventions and policy recommendations to improve housing stability and support for women Veterans.

Demographic Factors

The study will look into demographic factors such as age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, income, and mental & physical illness diagnosis.

Service Barriers and Suggestions

Service barriers experienced and suggestions to prevent and reduce Women Veterans' homelessness will be explored.

Intersectionality

This study also expects to gain a deeper understanding of the intersectionality of gender with other dimensions. Intersectionalities expected for analyses include Indigenous peoples, mental health diagnoses, parenthood, and past trauma.

Military Career Analysis

Military career including duration of service in the CAF or RCMP, year of discharge, location of deployment (domestic and foreign), number of missions, and type of military occupation will also be analysed.

Guidelines and Policy Interventions

These factors will be evaluated to co-create gender-specific guidelines and policy interventions. Preliminary results will be available.

Root Causes

This study will seek to identify the root causes of Women Veterans' homelessness.

Why is this important?

This study represents a significant step towards greater attention and advocacy for Women Veterans experiencing homelessness in Canada. Guidelines for policy and practice will be presented to decision-makers to better support Women Veterans. Current knowledge is also severely lacking and the analyses generated from this study will help lay the foundations for future Canadian research.

Team

The following is the team for this study and the partners that helped make this happen.

Cheryl ForchukPrincipal Investigator Western University & Lawson Research Institute

Richard BoothCo-Principal Investigator Western University

Co-Investigators:

Anthony Nazarov

MacDonald Franklin OSI Clinic & Western University

J. Don Richardson

MacDonald Franklin OSI Clinic, St. Joseph's OSI Clinic & Western University

Abraham Rudnick

Nova Scotia OSI Clinic & Dalhousie University

Partners:

Royal Canadian Legion

Veteran Affairs Canada

Namerind Housing Corporation

End Homelessness Winnipeg

City of London

Frequently Asked Questions

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How do you define a Veteran?

We define “Veteran” as anybody who has served in the Canadian Armed Forces or RCMP; this includes domestic services, those who have completed basic training, or served as a Reservist.

Are Trans-women eligible to participate?

Yes, we are including Trans-women as part of this study.

How long does an interview take?

Usually no longer than 1 hour and you are compensated for your time.

Is this confidential?

Absolutely. We do not disclose your identity or put your name on any questionnaire. You will be given a participant code number instead.

Can I bring someone with me or have someone I’m comfortable with be present?

Yes, you are welcome to have someone with you during the interview.

Who will do the interview with me?

A trained research assistant, a research coordinator or the lead investigator will conduct the interview. We will only use female interviews unless you indicate you are comfortable with, or prefer, a male interviewer.

How are the interviews conducted?

We can do the interviews in-person at a location convenient to you, over the telephone or by video using Zoom.

Contact us

If you have any questions, concerns, or need further information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Our team is here to assist you and provide the support you need.

Address:

Parkwood Institute, Finch Family Mental Health Care Building, Room 367, P.O. Box 5777 STN B, London, ON, N6A 5A5

Funder:

Infrastructure Canada

Name:

Dr. Cheryl Forchuk

E-mail:

cforchuk@uwo.ca

Phone:

519-685-8500 x77034