{ Ethical Practices in Domestic Violence Shelters A look at the Center for Women and Children in Crisis

Introduction What 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 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 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 The shelter is small, they offer what resources they can If they’re in danger, they’re told to call 911 If they’re in danger, they’re told to call 911 First call, first serve (Offer other services) First call, first serve (Offer other services) Use personal judgement on victims Use personal judgement on victims Room at the Shelter

30 day program 30 day program Adjusted to needs Adjusted to needs Can be asked to leave when putting other clients at risk Can be asked to leave when putting other clients at risk Includes abusive behavior, drugs, and alcohol Includes abusive behavior, drugs, and alcohol DCFS and the police are involved on occasion DCFS and the police are involved on occasion Shelter Stay

Mostly come through donations Mostly come through donations Everyone has an equal chance Everyone has an equal chance “Start-up Kit” when leaving “Start-up Kit” when leaving Given as much as they can 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 Some people will lie to have a place to stay Use your best judgement Use your best judgement The shelter uses an “honor system” The shelter uses an “honor system” Offer problem solving to non DV victims Offer problem solving to non DV victims Keeping things Ethical Every situation is different; looking at things case by case

Stay Protect the majority Protect the majority Get a second opinion Get a second opinionResources Give what you can at that moment Give what you can at that moment Do what you can Do what you can Don’t think about others Don’t think about others

Friends Be self-aware Be self-aware Ask others about your behavior Ask others about your behavior Remember that you are staff, not their best friend Remember that you are staff, not their best friendAdvice Listen and love Listen and love Help problem solve Help problem solve Don’t tell them what to do Don’t tell them what to do Avoid controversial subjects Avoid controversial subjects

Set boundaries Set boundaries Have a good staff, Have a good staff, on the same page on the same page Love what you do Love what you do Resolutions