NCJ Number
141806
Journal
Violence and Victims Volume: 7 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1992) Pages: 267-275
Date Published
1992
Length
9 pages
Annotation
This article presents the results of a needs assessment of 141 women exiting an emergency shelter for women with abusive partners.
Abstract
Extensive in-person interviews were conducted to assess the women's needs in the areas of living arrangements, economic support, employment, children's ages, educational level, and incidence of assault. Findings indicate that battered women need numerous community resources upon exiting a shelter, including legal assistance, employment, and housing. Race, age, and whether or not a woman was returning to her assailant influenced which resources she reported needing at shelter exit. Most of the women had experienced severe abuse and injuries, requiring them to have physical protection. The study results challenge the belief that many battered women could "simply leave if they wanted to." Consistent with numerous previous research studies, the results indicate that the majority of project participants felt they lacked the resources necessary for them to escape their abusers (employment, legal assistance, housing, transportation, child care). The findings thus corroborate that insufficient resources serve to trap women in their abusive relationships. Community services for battered women should provide those resources that can ensure them they can survive economically if they leave their abusive partner. 3 tables and 27 references