In this society, we conform to the common expectations of mainstream culture or we do not. Those in the subcultures have, by nature, rejected those expectations. Doing this often results in harsh repremand from that society in the form of their families and communities treating them as outcasts or lepers. Many in the subcultures endure this on the course of daily life and treat it as normal. Others, however, choose to withdraw from society fully and adopt a life on the streets.

The reasons for homelessness are many. The aforementioned rejection by society, the failing job market, tenement destruction, the closing of asylums, relocation of poorer people to suburban areas, and natural disasters are all just a few reasons. The leading reason for subcultural homelessness is the failure of the family. Young people run away from home all the time due to harsh family situations, and these young people almost always wind up on the streets, sometimes permanently.

Various studies of homeless men and women show that between 10% and 40% have been brutally victimized at some time in their lives.

Here are some of the more shocking statistics:
91% of homeless women report being assaulted at some time in their lives.
90% of the homeless who had been assaulted suffered at least one injury more serious than bruises during their worst beating.
42% of long-term homeless women reported an assault incident within the last 12 months.

The most common trauma happening among the women was rape and among men was physical assault.