Testing Two Global Models to Promote Safety for Abused Women and Their Children: Methods to Generate Evidence for Practice and Policy

Aims: Two models of care exist for abused women worldwide: Shelters and Justice Services. To determine the differential safety, mental and physical health, economic, and general functioning outcomes for abused women and their children following long and short shelter stays compared to abused women who request justice services, a comparative outcomes study was conducted.

Methods: A 7-year prospective study of 300 English and Spanish speaking abused women with children who, for the first time, present to a shelter or contact the justice system for assistance. Twelve validated instruments measured maternal mental and physical health, severity of abuse, risk for murder, employment and economic sustainability. An additional instrument measured functioning of one child chosen at random. Data analysis was completed with ANOVA and regression.

Results: Significant (p<.05) differences emerged between the two cohorts of women on severity of abuse, mental health, marginalization, social support, and economic sufficiency with shelter women reporting lower health. Significant differences were also measured in functioning of children, with young boys and older girls displaying more aggressive behavior.

Conclusions: Evidence based interventions are needed specific to needs of abused women and their children. Major health differences exist for abused women who use shelters compared to women who use the justice system. Significant differences and associated policy and program implications will be discussed.