| Shelters are run, funded, and managed either by | | | | and how closely is it collaborating with courts, |
| governments or by volunteer non-government | | | | evaluators, and law enforcement agencies? Is |
| organizations. According to a 1999 report published by | | | | recidivism among abusers tracked and discouraged? |
| the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, | | | | Does the shelter have a good reputation among |
| there are well over 2000 groups involved in sheltering | | | | them? You wouldn't want to live in a shelter that is |
| abused women and their off-spring. | | | | shunned by the police and the judicial system. |
| This article is meant to be a general guide to seeking | | | | 5. How does the shelter tackle the needs of infants, |
| and finding help in shelters. It does not contain | | | | young children, and adolescents? What are the |
| addresses, contacts, and phone numbers. It is not | | | | services and amenities it provides? What things |
| specific to one state or country. Rather, it describes | | | | should you bring with you when you make your exit |
| options and institutions which are common the world | | | | - and what can you count on the shelter to make |
| over. You should be the one to "fill in the blanks" and | | | | available? What should you pay for and what is free |
| locate the relevant shelters and agencies in your | | | | of charge? How well-staffed is the shelter? Is the |
| domicile. | | | | shelter well-organized? Are the intake forms |
| Read this article on other options and getting | | | | anonymous? |
| help!Shelters are run, funded, and managed either by | | | | 6. How accessible is the shelter to public transport, |
| governments or by volunteer non-government | | | | schooling, and to other community services? |
| organizations. According to a 1999 report published by | | | | 7. Does the shelter have a batterer intervention |
| the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, | | | | program or workshop and a women's support group? |
| there are well over 2000 groups involved in sheltering | | | | In other words, does it provide counselling for |
| abused women and their off-spring. | | | | abusers as well as ongoing succour for their victims? |
| Before you opt for moving with your children into a | | | | Are the programs run only by volunteers (laymen |
| sheltered home or apartment, go through this check | | | | peers)? Are professionals involved in any of the |
| list. | | | | activities and, if so, in what capacity (consultative, |
| 1. It is important to make sure that the philosophy of | | | | supervisory)? Additionally, does the shelter provide |
| the organizers of the shelters accords with your own. | | | | counselling for children, group and individual treatment |
| Some shelters, for instance, are run by feminist | | | | modalities, education and play-therapy services, along |
| movements and strongly emphasize self-organization, | | | | with case management services? |
| co-operation, and empowerment through | | | | Is the shelter associated with outpatient services |
| decision-making. Other shelters are supervised by the | | | | such vocational counselling and job training, outreach |
| Church or other religious organizations and demand | | | | to high schools and the community, court advocacy, |
| adherence to a religious agenda. Yet others cater to | | | | and mental health services or referrals? |
| the needs of specific ethnic minorities or | | | | 8. Most important: don't forget that shelters are a |
| neighbourhoods. | | | | temporary solution. These are transit areas and you |
| 2. Can you abide by the house rules? Are you a | | | | are fully expected to move on. Not everyone is |
| smoker? Some shelters are for non-smokers. What | | | | accepted. You are likely to be interviewed at length |
| about boyfriends? Most shelters won't allow men on | | | | and screened for both your personal needs and |
| the premises. Do you require a special diet due to | | | | compatibility with the shelter's guidelines. Is it really a |
| medical reasons? Is the shelter's kitchen equipped to | | | | crisis situation, are your life or health at risk - or are |
| deal with your needs? | | | | you merely looking to "get away from it all"? Even |
| 3. Gather intelligence and be informed before you | | | | then, expect to be placed on a waiting list. Shelters |
| make your move. Talk to battered women who | | | | are not vacation spots. They are in the serious |
| spent time in the shelter, to your social worker, to | | | | business of defending the vulnerable. |
| the organizers of the shelter. Check the local | | | | When you move into a shelter, you must know in |
| newspaper archive and visit the shelter at least twice: | | | | advance what your final destination is. Imagine and |
| in daytime and at night. | | | | plan your life after the shelter. Do you intend to |
| 4. How secure is the shelter? Does it allow visitation | | | | relocate? If so, would you need financial assistance? |
| or any contact with your abusive spouse? Does the | | | | What about the children's education and friends? can |
| shelter have its own security personnel? How well is | | | | you find a job? Have everything sorted out. Only |
| the shelter acquainted with domestic violence laws | | | | then, pack your things and leave your abuser. |