Misconceptions About People Who Are Homeless: They are Violent or Dangerous - People who are homeless are more likely to be victims of violent attacks than to commit them. According to the National Healthcare for the Homeless Council, almost half of the surveyed homeless individuals reported experiencing violence—49% of men and 48% of women. Due to their vulnerability, they are at risk of various types of violence, such as hate crimes, violent robberies, sexual assault, and domestic violence. Regrettably, when homeless individuals are involved in violent acts, these incidents often receive more sensationalized media coverage than the violence committed against them, which frequently goes unreported. They are Lazy and Choose to be Homeless - Many people who are homeless have jobs but still can’t afford a place to live. Many more would probably welcome a job opportunity, but their current circumstances (no mailing address, no computer, no access to shower or clean clothes) make applying for a job tremendously difficult, if not impossible. Many factors that lead to homelessness (such as mental illness, substance abuse, abusive or dogmatic parents, domestic violence, poverty, and lack of affordable housing) are beyond their control. They are All Mentally Ill - Only about a quarter of all people who are homeless are severely mentally ill. Those who are mentally ill are mainly ill in ways that are not harmful to anyone but themselves. There is also some question as to whether those people who are mentally ill or emotionally disturbed became sick mentally because of trauma, violence, and other stresses experienced while living without adequate shelter. While mental illness does cause people to struggle with independent living, it should be treated rather than feared. They are Criminals - Homeless people are more likely to have criminal justice intervention. However, this is primarily because many of their daily survival activities are criminalized—meaning they might be given a summons or arrested for minor offenses such as trespassing, littering, or loitering.