Domestic violence shelters were established because battered
women needed a safe place to go to escape. Routine services offered by domestic
violence programs relate directly to experiences of physical violence. What is
becoming increasingly clear to battered women's advocates is that domestic
violence programs need to address the range of risks women face throughout their
lives. In a study, state domestic violence coalitions report that service
priorities of domestic violence programs include counseling, emergency shelter
and safe houses, crisis lines, information and referral. The authors found that
services that promote independence and self-sufficiency, including housing
advocacy, employment services, employment training, and transitional housing,
were less available. A study of homeless women residing in both homeless and
domestic violence shelters revealed the complex lives of women and the factors
that contributed to their homelessness, including persistent poverty, domestic
violence, and a lack of low-cost housing.
The Central Valley
provides information on Domestic violence shelters by clicking on
Contacts/Links.