Criminological Aspects of Homelessness. Selected Issues

Abstract

Homelessness is undoubtedly a complicated social problem that generates numerous difficulties for functioning of individuals and communities, not only in Poland or Europe, but also throughout the world. The socio-economic changes that took place in Poland after 1989 led to the economic stratification of Polish society and consequently caused an increase in the number of homeless people who were unable to cope with the changing conditions. The quality of their lives began to deteriorate on many levels. The article considers the problem of homelessness in a criminological aspect, as there is a connection between homelessness and criminality. Homeless people commit criminal offences, but on the other hand, they frequently fall victim to crime.