Background: People experiencing homelessness are more physical and mental ill and have a shorter life expectancy compared to the general population. In addition to the lack of housing, factors such as substance addiction, trauma, and exposure to violence further contribute to their vulnerability. While individuals experiencing homelessness are at an increased risk of violence and abuse, there is insufficient understanding of healthcare professionals' readiness to address these issues or the frequency with which inquiries are made about violence and abuse among this population.

Aim: The primary aim of this study was to describe the process of developing a model for identifying and addressing violence among patients experiencing homelessness.

Methods: Through a collaborative project involving a primary care unit specializing in acute homelessness, a research team, and a group of women with firsthand experience of homelessness and violence, interventions were designed to identify, coordinate, and initiate treatment for homeless patients who hadrecently experienced violence. The research project included recurring data collection through staff surveys and focus group interviews to examine the development and implementation of these interventions.

Results: The results primarily revealed inherent challenges for both patients and healthcare staff in prioritizing discussions around violence during healthcare encounters, with only a minority of patients being asked about recent exposure to violence. Moreover, the normalization of violence was evident among both patients and staff. Healthcare professionals hesitated to inquire about violence when patients were perceived to lack alternatives or when the possibility of action was limited. However, women with firsthand experience of violence and homelessness found this neglect of their vulnerability particularly troubling.

Conclusion: The conclusions drawn from the research underscore the necessity for broader collaboration to effectively address exposure to violence. This involves tailoring interventions to meet the multifaceted needs of patients and integrating efforts from both healthcare and social service sectors to increase awareness of and reduce the prevalence of violence.