A survey of homeless people accessing services at Cork Simon has found almost 80% had experienced four or more adverse childhood experiences, such as physicial [sic] or sexual abuse or substance misuse in the family.
Some service users, the survey showed, began using alcohol at the age of 12 and were using drugs such as cannabis by the time they left school in their mid-teens.
It further found more than 71% of those questioned had, at some stage, had suicidal thoughts and more than half had a history of self-harm.
Cork Simon conducted the survey to help improve its own services for people seeking its help.
Sophie Johnston, campaigns and communications co-ordinator, said many homeless children at present are already experiencing a significant adverse childhood experience (ACE) in the form of insecure housing.
[For more of this article written by Noel Baker, visit http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/80-of-cork-homeless-saw-abuse-or-substance-misuse-as-children-460611.html]
Photo caption: The Cork Simon Centre on Anderson's Quay.
Photo credit: The Irish Examiner Ltd.
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