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Ethical Practices in Domestic
Violence SheltersA look at the Center for Women and Children
in Crisis
IntroductionWhat is Domestic Violence?
• Domestic or family violence
• Intentional use of violence against a family member
• To assert domination, control the victim’s actions, or punish the victim for some actions.
• Family violence generally occurs as a pattern of behavior
Abuse happens in many forms
All centered around power and control
• Early 1960’s• abuse is a permanent consequence• Listen, obey, endure in silence• ”That’s what marriage is”• Response was harsh judgement
• Late 1960’s • Battered Women’s Movement• Spoke out• Refuges in homes• Small support groups
• By 1981 there were over 500 women’s shelters in the US
• In 1993 marital rape was made illegal in all 50 US states.
Why are domestic violence shelter’s important?• Domestic Violence is a public issue
• One in four women, one is six men
• National health concern: negative impacts on individuals and communities
Domestic Violence is a Cycle that is very hard to
break
• This cycle makes it very difficult to leave
• When a woman decides to leave, it is the most dangerous time
• They need help and resources to get out
• Shelter’s and hotlines provide those resources,and are the key to breaking the cycle for many women
• When a man or woman goes to a shelter, they are extremely fragile and vulnerable
• The treatment and resources provided at the shelter can influence their recovery and future
• Keeping these shelter’s fair and ethical will ensure a more effective, and safer recovery for domestic violence survivors.
Practices in Shelters The CWCIC
• Women call a hotline number
• You can only enter the shelter if you are a current Domestic Violence victim without a current domestic violence charge, and aren’t doing drug
• The shelter is small, they offer what resources they can
• If they’re in danger, they’re told to call 911
• First call, first serve (Offer other services)
• Use personal judgement on victims
Room at the Shelter
• 30 day program
• Adjusted to needs
• Can be asked to leave when putting other clients at risk
• Includes abusive behavior, drugs, and alcohol
• DCFS and the police are involved on occasion
Shelter Stay
• Mostly come through donations• Everyone has an equal chance• “Start-up Kit” when leaving• Given as much as they can
Dividing Resources
Other Areas
• Making friends• Disobedience from a serious client• Offering advice
Guidelines:Room• Some people will lie to have a place to stay• Use your best judgement• The shelter uses an “honor system”• Offer problem solving to non DV victims
Keeping things EthicalEvery situation is different; looking
at things case by case
Stay• Protect the majority• Get a second opinion
Resources• Give what you can at that moment• Do what you can• Don’t think about others
Friends• Be self-aware• Ask others about your behavior• Remember that you are staff, not their best
friend
Advice• Listen and love• Help problem solve• Don’t tell them what to do• Avoid controversial subjects
• Set boundaries
• Have a good staff, on the same page
• Love what you do
Resolutions