INTERVIEW: 'Deaths of Despair': the deadly dangers of homelessness

New data shows Australians experiencing homelessness are more likely to die from overdose, suicide or coronary heart disease, with potentially nine avoidable deaths every day. Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare has found that around 43,200 people with a history of homelessness died between 2012 and 2013 alone from these types of causes. The median age was 55 years, far lower than the Australian median life expectancy of 81.1 years for men and 85.1 years for women. For women, gendered violence remains a leading cause of homelessness across Australia, impacting almost 67,000 people every year. Kate Colvin is the CEO of Homelessness Australia and she's been talking to SBS's Cameron Carr.

A homeless girl sleeping in a Melbourne street Source: Getty / Jenny Evans

If this story has raised issues for you or someone you know, you can get support from 1800 RESPECT at 1800 737 732, Lifeline on 13-11-14, Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 and beyondblue on 1300 22 4636

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