The Experiences of Domestic Violence Shelter Workers and Their Perceptions of Shelter Services: A Preliminary Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (4) ◽  
pp. 539-561
Author(s):  
Chris Brown ◽  
Christine Serpe ◽  
Sara Brammer
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Secondary Trauma ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Domestic Violence Shelter ◽  
Shelter Workers ◽  
Provision Of Services ◽  
Shelter Services

With domestic violence shelters faced with the persistent and arduous challenge of intimate partner violence, using an online survey, we explored the experiences of 98 shelter workers, including their perceptions of shelter services. Findings revealed that a majority of respondents (94%) indicated that through their work, they have had a positive influence on shelter residents. Moreover, 68% agreed that shelters are successful with providing services that will aid women in becoming self-sufficient, and 94% would like to see shelters have a greater impact on helping women find the pathway to economic independence. Thirty-six and 39% of participants, respectively, endorsed items about compassion fatigue and secondary trauma, and slightly more than half (51%) were frustrated by their work. Challenges in the provision of services included lack of funding, housing, and mental health and communal living issues. Incorporation of wellness efforts and self-care practices are encouraged in order for shelter workers to reduce susceptibility to compassion fatigue and secondary trauma.

scholarly journals Compassion fatigue of funeral directors during and after the first wave of COVID-19

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Roel Van Overmeire ◽  
Rose-Lima Van Keer ◽  
Marie Cocquyt ◽  
Johan Bilsen
Keyword(s):  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Work Experience ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Secondary Trauma ◽  
Compassion Satisfaction ◽  
Funeral Directors ◽  
Quality Of Life Scale ◽  
Life Scale ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Background Compassion fatigue has not been studied among funeral directors. Yet, funeral directors have been exposed to the same risks for compassion fatigue as other caregivers during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods An online survey was spread two times to 287 employees of funeral home DELA, in Belgium. Once during the height of the first wave of COVID-19 in Belgium, and a second time at the end of the first wave. The professional quality of life-scale 5 (PROQOL-5) was used to measure compassion fatigue, which includes burnout, compassion satisfaction and secondary trauma. Non-parametric tests were performed. Results In total, 104 participants answered the first survey, and 107 the second. Burnout increases from survey 1 to survey 2 (P < 0.001), while compassion satisfaction (P = 0.011) and secondary trauma decrease (P < 0.001). In survey 1, only age (P = 0.007) and gender (P = 0.040) were found to be significantly associated with secondary trauma. In survey 2, having more work experience is associated with having a higher burnout (P = 0.008) and secondary trauma (P = 0.001) score. Neither for burnout (P < 0.001), nor for secondary trauma (P < 0.001) are there any respondents in the highest category. Conclusions Although overall funeral directors do not have acute problems with compassion fatigue, burnout scores increase significantly after the first wave.

Short-Term Response to Counseling and Case Management Intervention in a Domestic Violence Shelter

1997 ◽  
Vol 81 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 1243-1251 ◽  
Author(s):  
John R. McNamara ◽  
Melissa A. Ertl ◽  
Sue Marsh ◽  
Suzanne Walker
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Case Management ◽  
Drop Out ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Domestic Violence Shelter ◽  
Management Intervention ◽  
Case Management Intervention ◽  
Skill Deficits ◽  
Shelter Services

81 women who accessed counseling and case management services at a domestic violence shelter after three sessions reported that abuse decreased, life satisfaction increased, perceived coping ability improved, as did their satisfaction with the services. Shelter users, however, also displayed significant skill deficits in the inability to apprise or respond appropriately to abusive situations. Limitations on understanding how shelter services affect longer-term outcomes were ascribed to high drop out rates and the absence of follow-up measures. Researchers need to address the causes of drop-out and what specific interventions can meet the needs of short-term shelter users.

An Examination of Domestic Violence Advocates’ Responses to Reproductive Coercion

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (9-10) ◽  
pp. 2082-2106
Author(s):  
Sara A. McGirr ◽  
Heather D. Bomsta ◽  
Cortney Vandegrift ◽  
Katie Gregory ◽  
Beth Ann Hamilton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Female Partners ◽  
Reproductive Coercion ◽  
Marginalized Women ◽  
Type Of Abuse

Reproductive coercion (RC) is a form of intimate partner violence (IPV) that continues to lack adequate attention by both researchers and practitioners. RC is defined as “male partners’ attempts to promote pregnancy in their female partners through verbal pressure and threats to become pregnant (pregnancy coercion), direct interference with contraception (birth control sabotage), and threats and coercion related to pregnancy continuation or termination (control of pregnancy outcomes).” This type of partner violence can have serious consequences on a survivor’s health and well-being. Despite the fact that RC has been reported by many women experiencing IPV, and that this type of abuse appears to be disproportionately targeted against marginalized women, little is known about the extent to which advocates either proactively or reactively address it. To redress this, the current study involved a brief online survey sent to domestic violence victim service advocates across the United States and its territories. More than 700 advocates responded about their comfort, practices, and perceived barriers related to RC and survivors’ sexual health. Despite identifying (a) low levels of discomfort when discussing most topics relating to RC and (b) few barriers to discussing RC, few advocates reported regularly engaging in RC-related practices. Both greater levels of discomfort and identification of more barriers were associated with less frequent coercion-related practice. Study implications highlight the need for more specialized advocate training, and organizational support for advocates to comfortably and safely provide information and support about RC to survivors.

Pilot Test of an Adapted, Evidence-Based Intervention for Preventing HIV for Women Residing in Domestic Violence Shelters

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (6-7) ◽  
pp. 771-783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtenay Cavanaugh ◽  
Jacquelyn Campbell ◽  
Vanessa Whitt ◽  
Gina Wingood
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Condom Use ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Pilot Test ◽  
Domestic Violence Shelters ◽  
Hiv Knowledge ◽  
Domestic Violence Shelter ◽  
Shelter Workers ◽  
Intervention Acceptability

This pilot study examined whether an evidence-based intervention for preventing HIV that was adapted for women residing in domestic violence shelters improved residents’ HIV knowledge and condom use self-efficacy. The intervention acceptability, feasibility, and fidelity were also assessed. Seven domestic violence shelter workers facilitated the intervention to 32 shelter residents. Residents had significantly higher HIV knowledge and condom use self-efficacy after the intervention. Residents found the intervention highly acceptable. Intervention facilitators generally agreed that the intervention was acceptable and feasible. Facilitators taught the intervention mostly as suggested, but with some changes. Study implications are discussed.

Intimate Partner Violence, Animal Maltreatment, and Animal Safekeeping: Findings From a Public Survey

2021 ◽  
pp. 088626052110568
Author(s):  
Crystal J. Giesbrecht
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Rental Housing ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Information Support ◽  
Services And Supports

While research on the link between intimate partner violence (IPV), animal maltreatment, and the need for animal safekeeping has increased significantly in recent years, previous research has included samples of victims/survivors and service providers. The present study examined public awareness of the link between IPV, animal abuse, and the need for animal safekeeping. The study also examined awareness of services and supports and inquired about respondents’ experiences with animal safekeeping in situations of IPV through an online survey that was open to the public. The survey included quantitative and qualitative questions and asked about three types of animals: pets, livestock, and service animals. Respondents were 176 residents of Saskatchewan who live in urban, rural, and northern areas of the province. Findings indicate that many respondents knew people who experienced IPV where their animals were also abused. Several respondents had assisted someone in planning for temporary animal safekeeping as part of their plan to exit a relationship when they were experiencing IPV. These results demonstrate the importance of “natural supports,” including family, friends, and neighbors, for providing information, support, and assistance with animal safekeeping in situations of IPV, especially in rural and northern communities that do not have domestic violence and animal welfare agencies nearby. Findings also indicate public support for increasing services and supports for people who experience IPV and own animals, including pet-friendly domestic violence shelters and rental housing, to allow people and animals escaping IPV to remain together.

Compassion Fatigue and Applied Anthropology: Lessons from a Suicide Hotline

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 41-44
Author(s):  
Chelce Carter
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Compassion Fatigue ◽  
Real World ◽  
Applied Anthropology ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Frontline Workers ◽  
General Anxiety ◽  
Domestic Violence Shelter ◽  
Anthropological Research ◽  
Suicide Hotline

Compassion fatigue is a problem many frontline workers face. It presents in the form of sleep troubles, intimacy issues, and general anxiety and depression as a result of working with individuals who have experienced trauma firsthand. As applied anthropology becomes more involved on the frontlines, researchers risk experiencing symptoms similar to those that others who work in these fields have faced. I explain how I encountered compassion fatigue through the literature as well as through real-world experience in an internship with a suicide hotline and domestic violence shelter. I then provide solutions for preventing compassion fatigue in applied anthropological research, suggesting that we might be able to impact other frontline workers as well.

The Process of Empowerment Reflected in Women's Narratives of Their Stay in a Domestic Violence Shelter

Partner Abuse ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-21
Author(s):  
Katherine M. Kenyon ◽  
Diane Hiebert-Murphy ◽  
Janice Ristock ◽  
Maria I. Medved
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Domestic Violence Shelters ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Domestic Violence Shelter ◽  
Women's Narratives ◽  
Narrative Methodology ◽  
Building Community

Domestic violence shelters can provide services that are key to ending intimate partner violence. Yet, little is known about the process through which a stay in shelter increases women's ability to move toward the lives they want. The construct of empowerment has been used to gauge the effectiveness of intimate partner violence interventions and has been linked to a variety of positive outcomes. The present qualitative study analyzed nine in-depth interviews with women in domestic violence shelters to explore processes that occurred within the shelter stay that enhanced their sense of empowerment. A narrative methodology that situates personal stories within the broader social context was used. Four interrelated empowerment storylines were identified and involved self-reflection, gaining clarity, acquiring knowledge, and building community. Implications of these processes for shelter services are discussed.

scholarly journals MP05: Do emergency department staff use a current domestic violence documentation tool or other forms of intimate partner violence documentation in patient records?

CJEM ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (S1) ◽  
pp. S66 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Vonkeman ◽  
P.R. Atkinson ◽  
J. Fraser ◽  
R. McCloskey
Keyword(s):  
Emergency Department ◽  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Emergency Department Staff ◽  
Department Staff ◽  
Documentation Tool

Introduction: Domestic violence (DV) rates in smaller cities been reported to be some of the highest in Canada. It is highly likely that emergency department staff will come across victims of intimate partner violence (IPV) in their daily practice. The purpose of this study is to better understand current practices for detecting IPV as we are currently uncertain whether patients are assessed for IPV and what the current documentation practices are. Methods: A standardized retrospective chart review, following principles outlined by Gilbert et al. 1996, was completed by two researchers to capture domestic violence documentation rates in patients presenting to the ED between January and April 2015 with injuries that may have been caused by IPV. To assess self-reported documentation/questioning practices, a cross-sectional online survey was distributed to ED staff via staff email lists three times between July and October 2016, with a response rate of 45.9% (n=55). The primary outcome was DV field usage. Secondary outcomes included documentation in patient charts and current questioning habits. Results: Overall, we found documentation in 4.64% of all included patient charts (n=366). No documentation was noted in the DV field. 52.4% patients with deliberate injuries had no documentation of assailant identity. With regards to self reported documentation practices, 16.4% of ED staff never questioned female patients about intimate partner violence, 83.6% asked when thought appropriate, and none asked routinely. None of the staff used a structured screening tool. 60% of ED staff documented their questioning but 92.7% did not use the DV-field for documentation. 58.2% of ED staff could not identify the DV field and 45.5% of respondents did not know how to interpret the DV field if positive. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the current documentation tool (DV-field) is not being utilized. Furthermore, low rates of IPV documentation, and potentially questioning, in high risk patients indicates that there is need to improve current practises.

Intimate Partner Violence, Animal Maltreatment, and Concern for Animal Safekeeping: A Survey of Survivors Who Owned Pets and Livestock

2021 ◽  
pp. 107780122110342
Author(s):  
Crystal J. Giesbrecht
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Rental Housing ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Domestic Violence Shelters ◽  
Urban And Rural Areas

An online survey was completed by victims/survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV), living in both urban and rural areas, who owned pets and/or livestock. The majority of the sample had not received services from domestic violence shelters and services. Quantitative and qualitative data regarding barriers to accessing support and escaping IPV are presented for both pet and livestock owners. Using validated measures of IPV and animal abuse, differences in experiences of IPV are described for victims who had experienced their partners mistreat their animals and those who had not. Recommendations are offered for training, legislation, and pet-friendly domestic violence shelters and rental housing.

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