Citation

Bergstrom-Lynch CA. Affilia 2018; 33(1): 112-125.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

10.1177/0886109917716104

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Ten qualitative focus groups were conducted with 31 survivors of domestic violence living at an emergency shelter to study survivors' perceptions of whether shelter policies and practices felt empowering or restrictive. Five themes emerged: (1) shelter monitoring and privacy; (2) transportation and mobility; (3) managing chores, cleaning, and shopping; (4) relationships with staff; and (5) feelings around leaving the shelter. Themes were shaped by larger economic and social forces, including (1) financial constraints and (2) the bureaucratization and professionalization of the shelter system that led to hierarchical relations between staff and residents. Recommendations for improving shelter experiences are addressed.

Language: en