an empowerment model - health, legal and social collaborations in women shelter

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An Empowerment Model - Health, legal and social collaborations in women shelter

LAI Ka Wai, CarolOfficer-in-charge, Wai On Home for Women,

Po Leung Kuk

2013 Asian Conference of Women’s Shelters Challenges and Breakthrough of Women’s Shelter in Asia

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Po Leung Kuk

• founded in 1878• runs over 230 units throughout Hong Kong• providing welfare, educational, recreational and cultural services to the community

Family Crisis Support Services• 3 women Shelters•Victim Support Programme for Victims of Family Violence” (Tsui Lam Centre) • Power up 360 (Educational Programme On Stopping Domestic Violence)

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No. of Newly Reported IPV in Hong Kong

Year No.of cases

2012 2734

2011 3174

2010 3163

2009 4807

2008 6843

2007 6404

2006 4424

Source: Social Welfare Department, Hong Kong

Name of shleter Capacity

Po Leung Kuk Wai On Home for Women 65

Po Leung Kuk Sunrise Court 45

Po Leung Kuk Dawn Court 40

Harmony House 65

Serene Court 45

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Women Shelters in Hong Kong

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Services of PLK Women Shelters

Short term accommodation - Confidentiality of address - Free of charge24-hour women hotline and pick up servicePets fostering serviceRisk assessment (to be conducted within 48 hours after admission)Case CounselingTherapeutic group for women and children

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Services of PLK Women Shelters

Developmental programs and recreational activitiesSupportive Services - Homework guidance and day care for children - Emergency relief fund/ food assistanceAfter care servicesMutual help group for discharged residentsCommunity education

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Po Leung Kuk Central Hotline (8100 1155)

Commenced operation in 2012 Combines 3 centers’ hotlines into 1 central hotline Round-the-clock handle enquiries and case admission Clients or referrers can apply 3 shelters @ 1 number

Functions:Specialized team in handling hotline callsProvides quicker responses to clients and referrersCentralized record-keeping systemBetter allocation of casesBetter use of vacancies

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Po Leung Kuk Central Hotline (Before & After)

Hotline Intake(General Hotline)

Case rejected due to Full house,

Location constraints,Combination of

residents,Clt’s special needs…

Contact other shelter for referral

Case rejectedSuitable for admission

Contact other shelter for referral

Inform Clt/ referrer

Hotline Intake(Central Hotline)

Considerations: Full house/

Location constraints/Combination of residents/

Clt’s special needs

Assign suitable shelter out of 3

Admission procedure

Admission procedure

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An Empowerment Model used in PLK Shelters

Based on a research study : An evaluation of the effectiveness of an empowerment intervention in a group of abused Chinese women” Tiwari, Salili, Chan, Chan, Tang 2010

Aims and Objectives: To evaluate an empowerment intervention specially designed for Chinese women residents of PLK Shelters.

Administered over 3 weeks

Using a randomized controlled trial design, the intervention was tested on 100 Chinese abused women

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An Empowerment Model used in PLK Shelters

Intervention:

Empowerment Training: 6-hour intervention (cycle of violence recognition, danger

assessment, developing a safety plan…)

Legal Advocacy: group counselling on legal advocacy

Chinese Dietetics: diagnostic assessment of health, teaching on Chinese dietary regimens and group counselling

on health risk behaviours.

Parenting Skills: groups counselling on management of children’s behavioral problems.

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An Empowerment Model used in PLK Shelters

Empowerment Training: Talks/ Programmes/ House meeting/ Groups Empowerment component including information on: - the cycle of violence - power and control wheel - danger assessment - developing a safety plan - community resource phone numbers

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An Empowerment Model used in PLK Shelters

Empowerment Training:Organic farming scheme

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An Empowerment Model used in PLK Shelters

Empowerment Training:Mutual help group for discharged residents (Volunteer training, Magic mama, Overseas trip)

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An Empowerment Model used in PLK Shelters

Empowerment Training:Job Training/ Empowerment Project (Beauty Care Certificate Course, Nail Art Course, sales skills training)

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An Empowerment Model used in PLK Shelters

Informative Programmes:Group /Individual Legal consultation by lawyer Regular talks on social welfare (housing, legal, financial assistance…)

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An Empowerment Model used in PLK Shelters

Health Programmes:336 Towards Healthier You (provide health talk, daily financial assistance on fresh meat and vegetables, daily log)In-house general body check by Registered NurseRegular assessment by Chinese Medicine Practitioner

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An Empowerment Model used in PLK Shelters

Health Programme:Therapeutic groups (Expressive Art, Drama, Music…)

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An Empowerment Model used in PLK Shelters

Parenting Programme:

Full time Clinical PsychologistIndividual interventionParenting group/programmesParent Education TalkParent-child activities

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An Empowerment Model used in PLK Shelters

Parenting Programme :

Child Visitation Service

Target: Children & Parents from families of DV

Objective: Help them to rebuild relationship in a safe environment.

Contents:Provide a safe and comfortable environment for visitationAccompanied by social workerProvide personal training or group sessions on emotional management and parenting education

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An Empowerment Model used in PLK Shelters

Outcome measurement (2012):

100% clients :acquired basic skills in protecting and planning for themselves and their children when they are discharged.

91.8% of residents : have enhanced self-esteem after joining the therapeutic groups.

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2013 Asian Conference of Women’s Shelters Challenges and Breakthrough of Women’s Shelter in Asia