Working with Battered Women: a Handbook for ... - Hot Peach Pages

BATTERED WOMEN'S SHELTERSBattered women's shelters, also known as interval or transition houses, are operated by interested membersof a local community. The provincial government provides ongoing funding for the shelters and servicesare offered at no charge to the women, unless a women has a very large income. Safe house networks andcrisis centres operate in areas where there is no nearby shelter. They can offer only some of theservices offered by shelters.Shelter services include:Safe Accommodation: the woman and her children will be protected and their whereabouts will not bedisclosed.Meals and Emergency Clothing: are provided. Household chores such as meal preparation andhousekeeping are shared by all women staying at the house.Counselling Services: trained staff members are available to listen to the woman and to provide her withinformation and options. Women often benefit from meeting and discussing their problems with otherwomen staying in the shelter who have had similar experiences. When the woman feels ready, staff willassist her in planning for the future. She will be supported and assisted in whatever decision she makes,including a decision to return home to her abuser.Practical Assistance, Referrals and Advocacy: the woman will receive assistance in dealing with herlegal, financial, housing, and other needs.Transportation: is provided for the woman to appointments, and for the children to school.Outreach: All shelters attempt to provide services to women who need some help but are not staying at theshelters. They will do their best to provide counselling and information to anyone who calls, or drops in.See the Hot Peach Pages for lists of shelters around the world: at http://www.hotpeachpages.net.35