Why do people beg?
The reasons why people beg are complex. They include people who might:
- be ineligible for or waiting to receive income assistance or welfare payments (those aged under 18 years don't qualify)
- want to supplement income assistance or welfare payments
- suffer from a mental illness but cannot find an available hospital bed
- be supporting drug or gambling habits.
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What should you do if asked for money?
The City of Port Phillip recognises that some people are faced with a dilemma if asked for money by people who beg.
You might wonder whether the person is in genuine need or if the money will be used for another purpose and it is often difficult to distinguish.
Begging is illegal under the Vagrancy Act and enforcement is the responsibility of the police.
If a person who is begging is acting aggressively, for example, is intoxicated, intimidating, violent or their behaviour is placing people at risk, you can report the matter to the police by phoning 000.
If a person is begging in a passive, non-threatening and non-violent manner and you want to help connect them with appropriate services, the St Kilda Crisis Centre at 29 Grey Street St Kilda is the most accessible starting point. Phone: 9525 4100
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A study on begging
A study of the extent and nature of begging in the Central Business District was carried out by Hanover Welfare Services, the City of Melbourne and Victoria Police in September 2000 and February 2001.
It found the level of begging in the city was actually low. Up to 10 people were likely to be begging on a single day.
Research showed most people were begging alone for relatively short periods and there was no evidence of gangs or groups systematically begging (long term police data was consistent with these findings).
Most people begging were seeking small amounts of money to pay for immediate needs such as food, cigarettes, accommodation, alcohol or drugs. Most were on government benefits or pensions and many were absolutely homeless. See the homelessness page for more information.
There was a clear association between begging and substance abuse, homelessness and poverty. There was no evidence of middle-class young adults begging for thrills or professional beggars from affluent suburbs.
The case studies showed that for most people begging occurred when other options were exhausted and many found it demeaning and frustrating. It was seen as preferable compared to other illegal activities such as drug dealing, theft and prostitution.
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