Women’s SheltersAre they the best resource for abused women?

Heather MacDonaldSarah MacDonaldLeslie SlaunwhiteLindsay MacLean

Objectives

By the end of this presentation learners will be able to:

Define physical abuse. Define emotional abuse. Define sexual abuse. Describe the positive aspects of women’s

shelters. Describe the negative aspects of women’s

shelters. State ways to improve upon women’s shelters.

What is a Women’s Shelter?

Temporary residence

Many services available

Straka, & Montminy, 2006

History of Women’s Shelters

A Transition place

Issue recognized 1970

Permanent establishment

Resources continuing to grow

Relevant Terms

Domestic violence

Physical abuse

Emotional abuse

Sexual abuse

Tactics Abusers Use

Cycle of Abuse

Prevalence of Domestic ViolenceProvinces Against females Against males

Newfoundland and Labrador 194 49

Prince Edward Island 219 31

Nova Scotia 221 64

New Brunswick 137 28

Quebec 394 82

Ontario 225 51

Manitoba 351 76

Saskatchewan 536 116

Alberta 415 88

British Columbia 197 48

Yukon 749 107

Northwest Territories 2,866 456

Nunavut 4,116 945

Effects on the Women

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Loss of material possessions

Decreased quality of life.

Social issues

Effects on Children

Strengths of the Health Care Provider in Support of Abused Women

Concerned with safety and welfare of client

Treatments focus on consequences of abuse

Educate women on the prevention of further injury

Work in multi-disciplinary team to develop the most appropriate, individualistic plan of care for the abuse woman.

Mindful that the client is a competent adult and can accept or decline help.

Help the client to explore possible resources and alternatives

Mandatory reporting law

Weaknesses of Health Care Providers in Support of Abused Women

Bringing up the topic

Not taking initiative in projects

Lack of realization that it is an addiction

Support Services

6- week stay 24 hr distress line Referrals Support groups

Availability and Funding of Women’s shelters in Nova Scotia

Other Resources Available

Women’s health centres

Hospital emergency rooms

Crisis lines Hot lines Police Support Groups

Advantages

Women and childrenMany services availableOver 500 Shelters in CanadaGood success ratesImproved quality of lifeHolistic approach

Gordon et al., 2005

Disadvantages

Noise and activity levels

Accessibility Limited transportation Neglect of specific

age brackets

Straka, & Montminy, 2006

Smith, 2009

Disadvantages Cont.

Lack of Privacy

Power disparity

Discussion Questions

What do you think are some valid strategies that can be implemented to improve women’s shelters?

What are your opinions of women’s shelters?

Discussion Questions cont.

If you were a victim of domestic violence would you seek out a shelter such as those described in the presentation?

What other resources would you consider instead of a shelter?