NCJ Number
60125
Date Published
1979
Length
35 pages
Annotation
THIS BOOKLET DESCRIBES THE AUSTIN CENTER FOR BATTERED WOMEN'S PROGRAM (TEXAS) AND THE SERVICES IT OFFERS TO WOMEN AND CHILDREN WHO ARE VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE.
Abstract
THE CENTER FUNDED BY THE HOGG FOUNDATION AND TRAVIS COUNTY, OFFERS FOUR GENERAL KINDS OF SERVICES: EMERGENCY HOUSING, COUNSELING, REFERRALS AND ADVOCACY, AND PUBLIC INFORMATION. CONTACT WITH CENTER SERVICES MADE THROUGH A 24-HOUR HOTLINE STAFFED LARGELY BY VOLUNTEERS. ELIGIBILITY FOR STAYING AT THE CENTER IS BASED ON THE EXISTENCE OF A SERIOUS THREAT OR THE PRESENCE OF ACTUAL VIOLENCE IN THE HOME. THE ADDRESS OF THE CENTER IS NOT PUBLIC INFORMATION, AND EVERY EFFORT IS MADE TO MAINTAIN THIS SECRECY. A NEW RESIDENT HAS ACCESS TO IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION AND ORIENTATION. CRISIS COUNSELING IS AVAILABLE; INDIVIDUAL COUNSELING PROVIDED BY STAFF AND TRAINED VOLUNTEERS IS BASED ON EACH WOMAN'S NEED AND REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE. WEEKLY GROUPS FOR RESIDENT AND NONRESIDENT WOMEN FOCUS ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SPECIFIC SKILLS AND INFORMATION SHARING. SUPPORT GROUPS SUCH AS CHILD MANAGEMENT AND AL-ANON FACILITATE PERSONAL GROWTH. WOMEN ARE ENCOURAGED TO STAY NO LONGER THAN 1 MONTH. THE CENTER CAN HOUSE UP TO 14 WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN 3 SELF-SUSTAINING LIVING UNITS. FOOD AND CLOTHES ARE PROVIDED, AND THE CENTER IS SUPPORTED AND CONNECTED WITH OTHER SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDERS IN THE COMMUNITY. AN IMPORTANT REFERRAL FOR THE CENTER IS AUSTIN LEGAL AID WHICH ADVISES ON LEGAL MATTERS AND INSTRUCTS STAFF ON COMPLICATED PROCEDURES ACCOMPANYING LEGAL INTERVENTION. THE CENTER IS STAFFED BY 3 PAID POSITIONS--DIRECTOR, COUNSELOR, AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR--AND 70 ACTIVE VOLUNTERS. LINE DRAWINGS ILLUSTRATE THE BOOKLET. (MJW)