Domestic Violence Shelters Research Articles

Arriving at the shelter – mothers’ narratives of their children’s experiences

ABSTRACT Each year a large number of children are exposed to violence in their homes, for example, by witnessing one parent using violence against the other, or experiencing violence directed at them personally. As a result, together with a parent, often the mother, the children might need to flee from the violence to a domestic violence shelter. The present study is set in a Swedish context and aims to analyse mothers’ narratives of the initial time at a domestic violence shelter for mothers and their young children (aged 0–6), with a focus on children’s right to protection and participation. The study consists of interviews with thirteen mothers, which are analysed using thematic analysis. The findings show that the children rarely know why they are at the shelter, and that it is an unfamiliar place for them, as they have little knowledge of what a shelter is. The children also seem to be afraid of losing their mothers, which is expressed in how they monitor their mothers. Based on the findings, the children need to build trustful relationships, a process that takes time but can already begin on the first day at the shelter. The first day signifies the start of something different, which means that the mothers and children need time to settle into their new lives.

Experiences of Domestic Violence and Disability

Disabled people are at increased risk of violence, including physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse. We conducted a thematic analysis of discussion forum posts (N = 50) from the popular online platform, Reddit. Posts discussed personal experiences of domestic violence, most commonly referring to partner violence (n = 23) or abuse perpetrated by a parent (n = 16). We identified three primary themes associated with domestic violence: (i) Perpetrators Targeting Disability (e.g., withdrawing access to medication or assistive devices and verbal abuse focused on the disability), (ii) Isolation and Dependence (e.g., financial dependence on the perpetrator), and (iii) Accessibility of Support (e.g., inaccessibility of domestic violence shelters and bureaucracy of the benefits system). Findings highlight the relationship between disability and domestic violence. Greater societal recognition of this issue is required, and systems must be put into place to ensure that disabled victim-survivors of domestic violence can access the health and personal care required.

Do I Belong Here? Experiences of Transgender Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in Domestic Violence Shelters

Transgender survivors experience high rates of intimate partner violence (IPV) compared with cisgender survivors. In addition, transgender survivors face barriers to seeking help from domestic violence shelters due to concerns surrounding discrimination because of their gender identity. Understanding the experiences of transgender survivors in shelters is critical to ensuring inclusive, gender-affirming services are available. This study used a multi-case study to present the findings of interviews with three trans women staying in a domestic violence shelter that housed women. Findings reveal experiences of micro- and macro-aggressions from cisgender residents within the shelter, the juxtaposition of feeling both safe and unsafe, and discussions around toxic masculinity and male-perpetrated violence. Results demonstrate the importance of culturally responsive training for shelter staff and educating shelter residents to increase inclusiveness for transgender survivors in domestic violence shelters.

The Role of Safe Housing in Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence in Iran

Despite the high prevalence of domestic violence, Iran has not ratified CEDAW due to Islamic considerations, and domestic violence is not a crime under Iranian laws. However, several safe houses have been established in Iran to protect the survivors of domestic violence. The fundamental role of safe houses in the protection of women by presenting long and short-term support has been less under the spotlight of legal scholars in Iran. This study aims to examine a newly updated and modern legal solution to protect the victims of domestic violence in Iran, the Safe Housing Guideline. By considering the general rules and principles of domestic violence law, the study intends to identify the legal gaps in the existing guideline and propose some policy proposals to improve the quality of services provided by the domestic violence shelters to the survivors of domestic violence. Hence, this study highlights the importance of safe houses in protecting and supporting survivors of domestic violence in Iran. Addressing the issue of domestic violence against women is crucial to promoting gender equality and empowerment and ensuring that survivors of domestic violence receive the support and protection they need is an important step in this direction. The proposed policy recommendations can contribute to the improvement of the quality of services provided by domestic violence shelters in Iran, promoting gender security and ensuring the safety and well-being of women.

A - 146 Subjective and Objective Cognitive Functioning in Women Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence with Repetitive Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries.

This study examined subjective and objective cognitive functioning among women survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) with a history of repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), hypothesizing they would have elevated subjective cognitive complaints and lower objective cognitive test performances compared to national norms. Women were recruited from a domestic violence shelter (N = 16; M = 39.8 ± 7.9years-old) and completed the Neurological Quality-of-Life Cognitive Function questionnaire (Neuro-QoL-CF), Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB), and Delis-Kaplan Executive Function System (D-KEFS) Trail Making and Verbal Fluency tests. One-sample t-tests compared mean scores against national norms for the Neuro-QoL-CF, RAVLT trials 1-5 and delayed recall, NIHTB-CB Crystallized-Fluid difference score, and D-KEFS composite index score. Nearly all women (81.3%) reported elevated subjective cognitive concerns on the Neuro-QoL-CF, significantly greater than the national average, t = 10.50, p < 0.001, d = 2.62. RAVLT learning, t = 5.41, p < 0.001, d = -1.35, and delayed recall, t = 4.54, p < 0.001, d = -1.28, were significantly lower than the national average. NIHTB-CB difference scores were significantly higher than the national average, t = 5.23, p < 0.001, d = 1.14, indicating worse fluid cognition than anticipated compared to estimated premorbid functioning. Mean D-KEFS composite scores were comparable to national norms, t = 0.73, p = 0.474, d = 0.18. Women survivors of IPV with repetitive mTBI history had greater subjective cognitive concerns and lower cognitive test performances compared to national norms, indicating cognitive health needs in this population. These findings may be attributable to repetitive mTBI or other neurobehavioral variables that may affect this population, including concurrent physical conditions (e.g., headache), mental illness, chronic pain, substance use, or a combination thereof.

Young Children’s Lives at Domestic Violence Shelters: Mothers’ Perspectives on Their Children’s Experiences

Abstract Purpose The aim of this study is to analyze mothers’ narratives about their children’s life situation while living at domestic violence shelters in Sweden. More precisely, the analysis focuses on determining what aspects are highlighted as being most important for the children’s living situation during their stay. Method This study is based on interviews with mothers who have experience of living at a domestic violence shelter together with their young child/ren. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the narratives. Results The analysis resulted in seven themes important for the children’s lives during their shelter stay. These are: safety, isolation, a child-friendly environment, shared living space, social relations at the shelter, children’s health during their stay, and support at the shelter. Conclusion In the narratives, safety was highlighted as the most important issue, and as something that also affects other aspects of the children’s lives during their time at the shelter. A child-friendly environment, access to activities and support, and positive social relations at the shelter are also important. In addition, positive experiences regarding these aspects can be understood to counteract the feeling of isolation and improve children’s ability to process their experiences.

Computer-based intervention for residents of domestic violence shelters with substance use: A randomized pilot study.

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a significant public health problem often associated with serious mental health and physical health implications. Substance use disorders (SUDs) are one of the most common comorbidities among women with IPV, increasing risk of subsequent IPV. The current study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a brief computerized intervention to reduce alcohol and drug use among women with IPV. Fifty women with recent IPV and alcohol and drug use risk were recruited from domestic violence shelters and randomized to the experimental computerized intervention or to an attention and time control condition. The primary outcome was percent heavy drinking or drug using days in 3 month increments over the 6 months after leaving the shelter. Receipt of substance use services and IPV severity were evaluated as secondary outcomes. The computerized intervention was feasible and acceptable, with high (n = 20, 80%) completion rates, engagement with the intervention, and satisfaction scores. As expected in this pilot trial, there were no significant differences between conditions in percent heavy drinking/drug using days or receipt of substance use services and large individual differences in outcomes. For example, receipt of substance use services decreased by a mean of 0.05 times/day from the baseline to the 6-month time period in the control condition (range -1.00 to +0.55) and increased by a mean of 0.06 times/day in the intervention condition (range -0.13 to +0.89). There were large decreases in IPV severity over time in both conditions, but directions of differences favored the control condition for IPV severity. A computerized intervention to reduce the risk of alcohol/drug use and subsequent IPV is feasible and acceptable among residents of a domestic violence shelter. A fully powered trial is needed to conclusively evaluate outcomes.

Evaluation of a Community Hospital-Based Residencies’ Intimate Partner Violence Education by a Domestic Violence Shelter Expert

Intimate partner violence, or IPV, is estimated to affect an estimated 10 million Americans. From 2015-2017 our community hospital-based residencies trained first-year residents to improve education in recognizing and screening for IPV. This retrospective cohort study's goal was to analyze the longitudinal effectiveness of the educational program. The education was based on a curriculum created by Futures Without and the United States Office on Violence Against Women. The curriculum was taught by Turning Point, the local county provider for victims of domestic and sexual violence, and involved five hours of training. Physician Readiness to Manage Intimate Partner Violence Survey was used as the assessment tool. Residents were measured pre-, post immediate, and one-year post-education. Measures that include perceived knowledge and perceived preparation improved post immediate and one year after the training (p = 0.0001). Actual knowledge increased significantly post immediate but decreased after one year (p = 0.0001). The proportion of residents who screened patients and the proportion of patients who were screened increased post-intervention. The educational training provided by our local shelter improved residents' performance in several of the categories tested, but most importantly, improved IPV practice post immediate and generally one year after.

"They Knew They Were Still Safe with Us": Experiences of Domestic Violence Shelter Staff on Survivors' Experiences in Shelter in the Early COVID-19 Pandemic.

Domestic violence (DV) shelters are an essential service for survivors and their children. While research has demonstrated global increases in DV during COVID-19, little is known about the experiences of DV shelter staff. This study aimed to understand DV shelter staff's experiences and how they navigated the early stages of the pandemic. Researchers disseminated a cross-sectional online survey, first to state DV coalitions and then directly to DV shelters. Univariate and bivariate analyses were used for multiple-choice items, and patterns were identified using thematic analysis for open-ended responses. Survey participants included 368 DV staff (180 leadership, 167 direct services, and 21 other roles) from 48 states. They reported little change to their schedules and mixed feelings of shelter preparedness for the pandemic. Participants described shelter methods for preventing the spread of COVID-19, changes in shelter policies and satisfaction with such policies, and the impacts of the pandemic on themselves and survivors. Balancing survivor autonomy with the health and safety of staff and other residents proved to be one of the most consistently challenging tasks. Participants also described how programs adapted to changing regulations and continued to serve survivors throughout this challenging time. Several innovative practices were implemented by staff throughout the pandemic, including expansions in technology use and non-residential services. Most reported feeling prepared for a similar crisis in the future. We offer five recommendations for DV shelters and their funders, including increased mental health support for staff and greater transparency in policies for both shelter residents and staff.

Knowledge, Perceived Competence, and Behaviors Relative to Traumatic Brain Injury Among a Sample of Domestic Violence Emergency Shelter Advocates in a New England State.

This cross-sectional study describes knowledge, perceived competence, and behaviors relative to intimate partner violence (IPV)-related brain injury (BI) among staff in residential domestic violence shelter programs across a New England state. A 23-item questionnaire was administered to registrants of an online IPV-related BI training series. Within this sample, knowledge about IPV-related BI was high, but relative to providing screening, accommodations, and specialized referrals to survivors with BI, perceived competence was low, and behaviors were infrequent. IPV shelter agencies should facilitate IPV-related BI training programs for staff and prioritize developing and implementing BI screening, accommodation, and referral policies and procedures.

Arkansas Domestic Violence shelters: Resilience in the Face of Multiple Challenges

Arkansas Domestic Violence shelters: Resilience in the Face of Multiple Challenges

Mary Kay Ash Foundation grants for domestic violence shelters

Corporate Philanthropy ReportVolume 38, Issue 3 p. 16-16 Grant Alerts Mary Kay Ash Foundation grants for domestic violence shelters First published: 08 February 2023 https://doi.org/10.1002/cprt.31551Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat No abstract is available for this article. Volume38, Issue3March 2023Pages 16-16 RelatedInformation

“COVID gave him an opportunity to tighten the reins around my throat”: perceptions of COVID-19 movement restrictions among survivors of intimate partner violence

BackgroundIntimate Partner Violence (IPV) poses a serious public health threat globally and within the United States. Preliminary evidence highlighted surges in IPV during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic offers a unique context, with many states and countries enacting movement-restrictions (i.e., shelter-in-place orders) that exacerbated IPV. Although these movement restrictions and other infection control methods (i.e., isolation, quarantine orders) have proven successful in reducing the spread of COVID-19, their impacts on IPV have not been thoroughly investigated. Specifically, public health measures restricting movement reinforce and socially legitimize isolation and coercive control tactics enacted by perpetrators of abuse. The purpose of this study was to understand the impacts of COVID-19, including the impacts of movement restrictions (i.e., shelter in place orders, quarantine, isolation orders) on experiences of IPV from the perspective of survivors.MethodsIn-depth interviews were conducted with ten survivors who presented at a large, public hospital or sought community IPV resources (i.e., domestic violence shelter, therapy services) in Atlanta, Georgia between March and December 2020. Thematic analysis was carried out to describe the impact of COVID-19 movement restrictions on IPV and help-seeking behaviors among survivors, in addition to identifying resources to improve IPV response during pandemics.ResultsThrough discussion of their experiences, survivors indicated how movement restrictions, social distancing measures, and the repercussions of the pandemic influenced their relationship challenges, including the occurrence of new or a higher frequency and/or severity of IPV episodes. Survivors cited relationship challenges that were amplified by either movement restrictions or consequences of COVID-19, including reinforced control tactics, and increased financial or life stressors resulting from the pandemic. COVID-19 movement restrictions catalyzed new relationships quickly and sparked new or intensified violence in existing relationships, revealing gaps in IPV support services.ConclusionThese findings suggest COVID-19 movement restrictions and social distancing measures amplify IPV and experiences of trauma due to new or exacerbated relationship challenges. Further, results highlight how partners cited COVID-19 movement restrictions to justify methods of coercive control. Public health professionals engaged in pandemic preparedness must give serious consideration to how social distancing measures may amplify trauma in those experiencing IPV.

Supplemental Material for Survival Sex Among a Diverse Sample of Women With Histories of Intimate Partner Violence: Results From a Domestic Violence Shelter

Supplemental Material for Survival Sex Among a Diverse Sample of Women With Histories of Intimate Partner Violence: Results From a Domestic Violence Shelter

The Broken Promises of the Lesbian Utopia: Woman to Woman Intimate Partner Abuse

The feminist movement of 1970s America notoriously prioritized issues faced by white, heterosexual women. The movement’s leaders explicitly distanced themselves from lesbian members out of fear of “lesbian baiting,” a sexist and homophobic tactic employed by anti-feminists to discredit the feminist movement by blanket-labeling its members as lesbians. In contract, others embraced “lesbian feminism,” a feminist movement that sought to prioritize issues faced by predominantly white lesbian women. These lesbian feminists promoted the concept of the “lesbian utopia,” which posited that lesbian relationships are “gender empty,” thus fundamentally egalitarian and devoid of interpersonal violence. A predominantly heterosexist culture further fueled this concept, layering it with homophobic stereotypes, including dismissing woman to woman intimate partner abuse (WWIPA), intimate partner violence occurring in a relationship between two sexual minority women, as a “catfight” or “mutual abuse.” Together, the lesbian utopia and heterosexism acted synergistically to erase the experiences of victim/survivors of WWIPA. Despite the promises of the lesbian utopia, sexual minority women are just as or more likely than heterosexual women to experience IPV and its adverse mental health outcomes. However, sexual minority victim/survivors face additional barriers to receiving support. Sexual minority women report formal support systems such as domestic violence shelters and police departments to be last-resort options out of fear of experiencing discrimination or compounding trauma. For sexual minority women of color and transgender women, these stressors are further compounded by experiences of racism and transphobia. Public health interventions centering diversity, inclusion and social justice to provide adequate support and healthcare services to victim/survivors of WWIPA are needed.

Economic Empowerment for Victims of IPV in Rural Areas

Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a current epidemic affecting women around the country. One in three women will experience sexual assault, physical violence, or stalking by an intimate partner in her lifetime (Showalter, 2016). IPV can take many forms including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and economic abuse and can have serious impacts on one’s health. Within IPV research, there have been unique barriers identified in rural areas. These communities have a significant lack of resources including hospitals, domestic violence shelters, and providers that provide trauma-informed care. Recent literature has suggested economic empowerment approaches to promoting an end to IPV in rural communities. Economic empowerment involves providing victims with the resources and skills they need to regain confidence and a sense of self after experiencing abuse.

From Philosophy to Practice: Designing a Multi-Method, Multi-Stage Program Evaluation of the Wisconsin Domestic Violence Housing First Pilot Program.

Safe and secure housing is a pressing concern for survivors of domestic violence (DV). Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF) is a policy that serves DV survivors' needs by removing barriers to housing stability via flexible financial assistance, mobile advocacy, trauma-informed practice, and partnerships with community housing providers. In this paper, we outline a study protocol developed to evaluate the efficacy of the Wisconsin Domestic Violence Housing First Pilot Program (WI-DVHF). Funding was provided to 9 social service programs across the state and implemented in novel ways. We develop a multi-site, multi-level, longitudinal analysis of WI-DVHF at the individual, site, and community levels. WI-DVHF includes 4 elements differentiating it from previous studies, including analysis of DVHF in rural and urban locations, unique implementation across different sites, and access to a WI rental education program. We also include data from comparable non-WI-DVHF sites and clients served during the study period. This will address concerns about comparing survivors within a site as DVHF funding may free up funds that can benefit other survivors at that site and to better understand the general challenges and trends these organizations face during the study period. The US housing crisis emphasizes the importance of identifying unique and flexible ways to meet the housing needs of DV survivors. This study highlights the potential for DVHF to improve the lives of survivors, and its adaptability to previously understudied cultural groups and across the rural-urban divide. Further, WI-DVHF funds may positively benefit other programs and participants within a site by freeing up valuable space in DV shelters and other resources.

가정폭력에 노출된 다문화가정 학대피해아동의 자아개념 향상을 위한 놀이기반 미술치료 사례연구

This study aims to find out how play-based art therapy improves the self-concept of children affected by abuse from multicultural families exposed to domestic violence. The subject of the study is a 6-year-old boy from multicultural families with language development delays in domestic violence shelters. The play-based art therapy program took 45 to 60 minutes once a week to improve the self-concept of abused children, and a total of 14 sessions were conducted. The research data are works and photos of play-based art therapy programs, shelter operation journals, and feedback from mothers and social workers of children, and data analysis is a single case study method. To verify the effectiveness of the work program, it was concluded that play-based art therapy had a positive effect on improving the self-concept of children affected by abuse from multicultural families exposed to domestic violence through interviews with mothers and shelter teachers.

Testing an attachment- and trauma-informed intervention approach for parents and young children after interparental violence: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInterparental violence has persistent adverse effects on victimized parents and children. Young children, including infants and toddlers, are at particular risk to develop long-lasting negative outcomes, and yet specific evidence on effective intervention approaches for this vulnerable group is still lacking. This study will test the effectiveness of an attachment- and trauma-informed intervention approach in a sample of parent-child dyads who have experienced severe interparental violence. We test the individual and combined effects of two interventions: (1) “Nederlandse Interventie Kortdurend op Atypisch oudergedrag” (NIKA; Dutch, short-term intervention focused on atypical parenting behavior) aimed at improving the attachment relationship and (2) eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy aimed at reducing parental post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.MethodsThis study uses a multicenter randomized controlled design across multiple domestic violence shelters in the Netherlands. We aim to recruit 150 parent-child dyads with children aged between 0.5 and 6 years old. The study design consists of two phases. During the first phase for testing the effect of NIKA only, eligible dyads are randomly allocated to either NIKA or a waitlist usual care group. A pre-test is conducted prior to the treatment period and a post-test takes place directly afterwards (6 weeks after the pre-test). Phase 2 follows directly for testing the effects of EMDR and the combination of NIKA and EMDR. Parents who report clinical PTSD symptoms are randomly allocated to either EMDR therapy or a waitlist usual care group. Parents who do not report clinical PTSD symptoms only receive care as usual. Six weeks later, a post-test of phase 2 is conducted for all participating dyads. Primary study outcomes are disrupted parenting behavior, sensitive parenting behavior, and parental PTSD symptoms. Secondary study outcomes include PTSD symptoms and behavioral and emotional problems of the child.DiscussionThis study will inform and enhance the clinical field by providing new insights regarding effective treatment combinations for traumatized parents and their young children after interparental violence.Trial registrationNetherlands Trial Register (NTR) NL9179. Registered 7 January 2021

A resilience enhancing trauma‐informed program for children and mothers in domestic violence shelters: A qualitative study

AbstractIn domestic violence (DV) shelters, offering psychosocial support services to mothers and children is vital. The program ‘Time for Tony the Turtle’ has been developed for mothers and children residing in DV shelters in the Netherlands. It aims to foster attachment and regulation skills, which can also prepare for trauma treatment if sought after later on. This qualitative study explores the experiences of mothers, children and professionals with the program and its perceived impact and what components function as facilitators and barriers in the implementation of such a program in DV crisis shelters in the Netherlands. We conducted in‐depth interviews with 15 mothers, 11 children and 18 professionals from three organizations offering DV shelters. We used thematic analysis to identify patterns of meaning in the interviews. Mothers, children and professionals valued that the program provided a calm moment for reflection in hectic times and that the playfulness in which the program addressed trauma‐related topics. However, mothers find it difficult to attend the program in the beginning of their shelter stay, therefore hampering the applicability of the program. Our findings suggest that integrating the topic of discussing father in a program in crisis shelters is complex and deserves more attention.