Activity of a Center for Shelter and Reception in Lausanne (Switzerland)

• NCJ Number: 83092
• Journal: Instantanes Criminologiques, Journal du Centre Francais de Criminologie Issue: 37-38 Dated: (1980) Pages: 59-73
• Author(s): F Lamy
• Date Published: 1980
• Length: 15 pages
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: French
• Country: France
• Note: Contains interview with program staff by three journalists of 'La Voix Ouvriere' (The Open Voice). Material from Workshop on Studies of Intrafamilial Violence, 28-29 September, 1979 in Lyon, France

Annotation

This description of a shelter for battered wives in Lausanne, Switzerland, contains operational details of the program and four client case histories.

Abstract

The program was originally to shelter unmarried mothers on welfare but shifted its focus to battered wives following a media publicity campaign on domestic violence, which elicited a surprising response from victimized wives in need of shelter services for themselves and their children. The program occupies a 6-story facility containing communal areas, a laundry, a nursery, and individual studios. Since 1979, it has served a total of 284 women, of whom 40 percent were victims of spouse abuse. Educational services are part of the program; clients receive legal and employment advice and other types of instruction and counseling. The shelter's nursery serves as a day care center for working mothers living on their own. Working clients are charged minimal fees. Abused women who are not welfare clients seek the shelter's services voluntarily in increasing numbers, indicating the extent of this formerly unrecognized problem throughout all levels of society. Tables are provided.