Patterns of use of a shelter for battered women in Newfoundland

Thurston, Wilfreda Enid (1985) Patterns of use of a shelter for battered women in Newfoundland. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

Wife battering is now recognized as a widespread problem with serious social, medical, and legal consequences. The literature on aggression and violence in general, and on wife battering in particular, is insufficient to explain this phenomenon adequately. It does indicate that battered women exist in all socioeconomic strata and that the theories on wife battering must address the cultural and political context in which it occurs. Hundreds of non-governmental services have been opened in response to the needs of these women. Shelters providing temporary accomodation are the most common. Little is known about how these services are used. -- This study analyzed data collected by one shelter. Women admitted in the first three years because of spouse abuse (N=297) were included. Data on the sociodemographic characteristics, health status, history of abuse, and admission characteristics of these women as well as some details on the admission are presented. -- The results indicate that this shelter was a much needed service which was well received by battered women. Women from a variety of backgrounds used the shelter. Although the women had many contacts with professionals from social, legal, and medical services, few were referred to the shelter by these services. It is clear that shelters are an important source of data for understanding the problems and needs of battered women. The data indicate that some specialized training may be needed for staff of shelters and for professionals who are in contact with battered women. The issue of prevention should be addressed in order to aid battered women and to decrease demands on the health care system. The large number of children admitted to this shelter suggests a need for information on the children of battered women and their response to services designed for their mothers.

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