Working with Mothers in Shelters

Shelter residents may be in the midst of crisis and transition, sometimes precipitated by a recent and severe incident of violence. However, women enter shelters in great part to seek safety and a better life for their children.

Studies of women in shelters suggest their most significant child-related needs are:

counselling for children
being kept informed of what happens in counselling of their children
information about healthy or normal child development
referrals and information about counselling for children available locally
referrals and information about general children's services such as child care
child care or parenting relief/respite to give them a break
information on parenting a difficult or worrisome child, or support and insight into a child's behaviour

Communal living at a time of crisis and transition can be an additional source of stress. In the Grasley et al. study, 40% of women found the co-operative living environment difficult because of the number or behaviour of other children in the shelter.

Ideas for Intervention

have books available for mothers to read with children

distribute and post the Everyday Essentials of parenting

consider organizing short group sessions for women to share ideas about using the "Everyday Essentials." There is a work sheet that may be helpful

consider organizing short group sessions about how an abusive partner can affect mothers. There is some background information about Effects of Power & Control Tactics on a Mother and there is also a work sheet for women

Looking for information on working with women in shelters or refuges? Have a look at this book from 2008, called Helping Abused Women in Shelters: 101 Things to Know, Say & Do

back: The Needs of Abused Women as Mothers — table of contents — next

Find more information on working with women in shelters and refuges in these two resources from 2008.

Helping an Abused Woman: 101 Things to Know, Say & Do

Helping Abused Women in Shelters: 101 Things to Know, Say & Do