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MA/PhD Theses Abstracts of Current Students & Alumni |
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Meyer, Jane. August, 1982. - HARBOR HOUSE: AN ETHNOGRAPHY OF A SHELTER FOR BATTERED WOMEN
Abstract: The problem of domestic violence is drawing increasing attention from practitioners and researchers in all areas of the human sciences. Until recently, victims of spouse abuse have had few alternatives to violence; within the past ten years, however, the shelter has become the most widely accepted temporary solution for battered wives. Shelters provide their clients with safe lodging and an environment in which to assess their situation and options. This thesis describes the establishment and operation of a shelter for battered women. A model of symbolic interaction is used to examine the relationships between the staff and the clients; the shelter (staff and residents) and the greater community; and among the clients. While the data are not statistically conclusive, a client's re- lationships with others within the shelter tend to be related to the eventual outcome of her case. Residents who related primarily to other clients were more likely to remain independent of the batterer. Women who related primarily to staff members were more likely to return to their assailants with a chance that the violence would decrease. Residents who formed no relationships tended to return to the abusive situation. These findings are discussed in terms of the model, and a list of recommendations for those involved with spouse abuse is presented.
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