Activities of the Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence―Reports on viewpoints from prevention, crisis intervention, and aftercare―

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine and reframe domestic violence from three viewpoints of community psychology.

The first viewpoint is the shelter’s activity in terms of prevention, treatment and education. We feminist therapists conduct individual counseling or psychotherapy for victims of domestic violence at puplic women’s counseling facilities in the community. These activities might provide victims of domestic violence with prevention and treatment. Furthermore, we arrange lectures and programs for people in the community and to professionals in the field. These activities might also serve to educate that domestic violence should be stopped and laws or rules against domestic violence established.

The second viewpoint is the shelter’s activity in crisis intervention. The shelter’s activities are constructed of three pillors; ① to protect victims by presenting safety place. ② to empower them to connect with battered women and supporters. ③ to prepare them to be able to live an economically, socially, and psychologically independent life in the community.

The third viewpoint is the shelter’s activity in aftercare. After residing in the shelter for 3 months, women and children can transfer from the shelter to an apartment or home for mothers and children in the community. Since we have to support them in their independent life, safely and comfortably, we must effectively network with people and facilities, such as administrative, welfare and police offices, schools, and institutions for mothers and children.