Domestic Violence Shelters

The agency provides a battered women's shelter that primarily serves women age 18 and older who have been battered, and their children, including women from other states who are fleeing a batterer. The shelter also accommodates women with disabilities, including hearing impairments and single women. Women younger than 18 who are legally emancipated and women who have not yet been physically battered, but who are at high risk, are considered for assistance. To be eligible for shelter, women must be currently sober or drug-free and, preferably, involved in a recovery program if they have a history of substance abuse. Women and their children are eligible to stay 45 days. There are no geographic restrictions.

Residents who are employed are asked to take a leave of absence when they enter the shelter. Residents are expected to participate actively in all aspects of the program and to follow rules which include not leaving the facility or making or receiving calls for the first three days, not contacting the abuser, completing household chores, abstaining from drug and alcohol use, not dating, and abiding by the 10:00pm curfew.

Shelter residents live in six two-bedroom cottages; the total capacity is 36. Bedding, linen, personal items, food, and clothing are provided; residents prepare their own meals. The program offers educational and support services for both the woman and her children including Alanon meetings, children's counseling and recreational programs, information and referrals, and advocacy with community agencies. Residents are also encouraged to save as much of their income as possible to use when they leave the shelter, but women manage their own funds. Child care is available during group meetings, but the woman is responsible for the care and supervision of her children at most times.

Follow-up services are offered for women who have left the shelter. Contact may be maintained through counseling sessions at the shelter or in her home, or if necessary, by mail. The follow-up services usually continue for six months but may be extended for a longer period of time. They may include ongoing individual and group counseling for the woman as well as support and advocacy; children are offered services through individual and group counseling and monthly recreational activities with other former-resident children.