SHELTERS - SHORT-TERM NEEDS (FROM BATTERED WOMEN - ISSUES OF PUBLIC POLICY, 1978 - SEE NCJ-53356)

• NCJ Number: 53360
• Author(s): SEGOVIA-ASHLEY
• Date Published: 1978
• Length: 30 pages
• Corporate Author: US Cmssn on Civil Rights
• Sale Source: National Institute of Justice/
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE HISTORY AND PROGRAM OF A SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF., SHELTER FOR BATTERED WIVES, PRIMARILY SERVING MEXICAN-AMERICANS AND OTHER MINORITIES, ARE DESCRIBED.

Abstract

USING A CASE HISTORY OF A FAMILY BREAKDOWN AND WIFE ABUSE IN A MEXICAN-AMERICAN FAMILY, THE PATRIARCHAL, DISCRIMINATORY ASPECTS OF AMERICAN SOCIETY ARE IDENTIFIED AS MAJOR FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO FAMILY INSTABILITY AND WIFE ABUSE AMONG MINORITY FAMILIES. IN THE FALL OF 1974, SEVEN WOMEN AFFECTED BY THE EXPERIENCE OF WIFE BEATING BEGAN A SHELTER FOR BATTERED WIVES CALLED 'LA CASA DE LAS MADRES' (MOTHER'S HOUSE). THE FOLLOWING ARE THE FOUR MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE SHELTER'S PROGRAM: (1) THE CRISIS LINE, (2) THE PROGRAM FOR RESIDENTS, (3) THE COMMUNITY GROUP, AND (4) OUTREACH AND EDUCATION. THE CRISIS LINE OPERATES 24 HOURS A DAY TO RECEIVE EMERGENCY CALLS FROM ABUSED WIVES. THE VOLUNTEERS AND PAID STAFF WHO HANDLE THE PHONES FILL OUT A CRISIS SHEET INDICATING THE PARTICULARS OF A CALLER'S SITUATION. IN CONSIDERING A REQUEST FOR ADMITTANCE TO THE SHELTER, THE FOLLOWING ISSUES ARE EXAMINED: IS THE WOMAN IN IMMEDIATE DANGER; WHAT ARE HER OPTIONS; DOES SHE HAVE MONEY TO PAY FOR A HOTEL; IS IT SAFE FOR HER TO GO TO FAMILY OR FRIENDS; AND DO CHILDREN LIMIT HER MOBILITY. RESIDENT PROGRAMS CONSIST OF A CHILDREN'S PROGRAM WHICH OFFERS A CREATIVE CHILD-CARE PROGRAM ON WEEKDAYS FOR CHILDREN IN RESIDENCE AND THE WOMEN'S ADVOCATES PROGRAM WHICH PROVIDES SUPPORT AND REFERRAL ASSISTANCE APPROPRIATE TO A PARTICULAR WOMAN'S NEEDS. LEGAL SERVICES AND ASSERTIVENESS TRAINING ARE ALSO OFFERED TO RESIDENTS. THE COMMUNITY GROUP CONSISTS OF A WEEKLY MEETING AT A NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH CENTER INVOLVING WOMEN WHO HAVE CALLED ON THE CRISIS LINE BUT CONTINUE TO LIVE AT HOME AND THOSE WHO HAVE RECENTLY LEFT VIOLENT SITUATIONS. OUTREACH AND COMMUNITY EDUCATION INVOLVE EFFORTS TO DISPEL THE MYTHS THAT KEEP WOMEN FROM REPORTING ABUSE, AND STATISTICAL INFORMATION AND OTHER WRITTEN MATERIAL ARE DISTRIBUTED TO COMMUNITY PROFESSIONALS AND ORGANIZATIONS IN A POSITION TO HELP ABUSED WIVES. SOME PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH STAFF AND RESIDENT INTERACTION ARE FRANKLY DISCUSSED, AND STATISTICS ON THE SHELTER RESIDENTS FROM JUNE 1976 TO SEPTEMBER 1977 ARE PROVIDED. (RCB)