Shelters-an alternative to violence: A psychosocial case study

Abstract

The problems facing battered women today are being resolved through the use of various intervention strategies. Shelters are a growing phenomenon and are relatively unstudied by social scientists. Although research has focused on organizational issues and features characteristic of shelters, less attention has been given to the effects of shelters upon their residents. There is a need for better understanding of the dynamics of shelters and their psychological and sociological impact upon battered women over time. This article examines the perceptions, attitudes, levels of acceptance, and experiences of battered women residing at “Shelter W.”The impact of this specific shelter upon battered women is analyzed from a pre- to post shelter perspective. The descriptive case study, based upon data obtained from documented analyses, participant observation, and questionnaire forms, presents a multiperspective view of shelter impact and demonstrates how the realities of abusive relationships affect not only residents' perceptions of the shelter, but also their psychological reactions to it and personal experiences within it.

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