NCJ Number
56690
Date Published
1977
Length
5 pages
Annotation
THE GROWTH OF THE WOMEN'S HAVEN IN FORT WORTH, TEX., IS DESCRIBED, FROM ITS INCEPTION AS A WORKSHOP FOR THE DISCUSSION OF WOMEN'S RIGHTS, TO A SHELTER AND COUNSELING CENTER.
Abstract
IN 1976, NO SHELTER OR ADEQUATE SOCIAL SERVICE WAS AVAILABLE FOR BATTERED WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN FORT WORTH AND TARRANT COUNTY, TEX. THE WOMEN'S HAVEN WAS INCORPORATED AT THIS TIME TO DISCUSS SPECIFIC COMMUNITY NEEDS AND TO RAISE MONEY FOR A SHELTER. APPROVAL FROM THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE OF THE ORGANIZATION'S CHARITABLE STATUS WAS FOUND TO BE A CRUCIAL FACTOR IN ENCOURAGING THE DONATION OF FUNDS. PUBLICITY HAD TO BE AVOIDED UNTIL A FACILITY WAS AVAILABLE, BECAUSE OF SUBSEQUENT DEMAND FOR SERVICES WHICH FOLLOWED INITIAL MEDIA ATTENTION ON THE PROJECT. THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE WOMEN'S HAVEN RECOMMENDS THAT PERSONS WHO WISH TO ESTABLISH SIMILAR SHELTERS RELY ON THE EXPERTISE AND LEADERSHIP OF COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES. THE EXISTING POWER STRUCTURE OF A COMMUNITY CAN BE VALUABLE IN THE PROVISION OF ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SUPPORT. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR A SHELTER OUGHT TO INCLUDE MEMBERSHIP FROM A VARIETY OF PROFESSIONS INCLUDING LAW AND BUSINESS. COOPERATION WITH THE POLICE IS ESSENTIAL. THE POLICE WILL FREQUENTLY MAKE THE INITIAL CONTACT WITH A VIOLENT SITUATION, AND THEY SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO BRING WOMEN TO THE SHELTER. THE SHELTER OUGHT TO OFFER NONJUDGMENTAL EMPATHY TO WOMEN AND ENABLE THEM TO MAKE THEIR OWN CHOICES FOR THEIR FUTURE. NO REFERENCES ARE PROVIDED. (TWK)