Women’s Shelters Are they the best resource for abused women? Heather MacDonald Sarah MacDonald Leslie Slaunwhite Lindsay MacLean

Objectives By the end of this presentation learners will be able to: Define physical abuse. Define emotional abuse. Define sexual abuse. Describe the positive aspects of women’s shelters. Describe the negative aspects of women’s shelters. State ways to improve upon women’s shelters.

What is a Women’s Shelter? Temporary residence Many services available Straka, & Montminy, 2006

History of Women’s Shelters A Transition place Issue recognized 1970 Permanent establishment Resources continuing to grow

Relevant Terms Domestic violence Physical abuse Emotional abuse Sexual abuse

Tactics Abusers Use

Cycle of Abuse

Prevalence of Domestic Violence ProvincesAgainst femalesAgainst males Newfoundland and Labrador19449 Prince Edward Island21931 Nova Scotia22164 New Brunswick13728 Quebec39482 Ontario22551 Manitoba35176 Saskatchewan Alberta41588 British Columbia19748 Yukon Northwest Territories2, Nunavut4,116945

Effects on the Women Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Loss of material possessions Decreased quality of life. Social issues

Effects on Children

Strengths of the Health Care Provider in Support of Abused Women Concerned with safety and welfare of client Treatments focus on consequences of abuse Educate women on the prevention of further injury

Work in multi-disciplinary team to develop the most appropriate, individualistic plan of care for the abuse woman. Mindful that the client is a competent adult and can accept or decline help. Help the client to explore possible resources and alternatives Mandatory reporting law

Weaknesses of Health Care Providers in Support of Abused Women Bringing up the topic Not taking initiative in projects Lack of realization that it is an addiction

Support Services 6- week stay 24 hr distress line Referrals Support groups

Availability and Funding of Women’s shelters in Nova Scotia

Other Resources Available Women’s health centres Hospital emergency rooms Crisis lines Hot lines Police Support Groups

Advantages Women and children Many services available Over 500 Shelters in Canada Good success rates Improved quality of life Holistic approach Gordon et al., 2005

Disadvantages Noise and activity levels Accessibility Limited transportation Neglect of specific age brackets Straka, & Montminy, 2006 Smith, 2009

Disadvantages Cont. Lack of Privacy Power disparity

Discussion Questions What do you think are some valid strategies that can be implemented to improve women’s shelters? What are your opinions of women’s shelters?

Discussion Questions cont. If you were a victim of domestic violence would you seek out a shelter such as those described in the presentation? What other resources would you consider instead of a shelter?