Whenever a discussion about the survivors of domestic violence is initiated, one of the major questions is, why doesn’t she leave?? Although it seems like a much common and crammed word of mouth but it has the ability to endure histories of life and death of emotions, feelings and other strong grounds that keep a woman going on and play her part in the society. It is asserted that the relationship between a women and society is easier apparently in contrast to the stance of staying and acting in accordance with societal ethics, adhering to all that is implemented, the reality is different. Under the impact of familial relationship, it seems much easy to stay under the impression of violence and accept rather than resist and leave behind the love compassion and the association of a family. Other side of the picture reveals a different story where domestic violence is targeted as one of the major causes of homelessness and it is a stance that can make a domestic violence survivor four times more likely to experience the instabilities of housing and settlement. (Wood, et, al. 2019). The survivors of domestic abuse and domestic violence suffer from different consequences where mental and physical health plays a major role. The loss of social network is also evident but there is nothing more important than safe and active survival. It has been highlighted that a social network can be sustained by the analysis of setting where a good community can be formulated with the rules of major social regulations enacted but it is hard to maintain ground that actually affects the ability of the survivor who is facing everything to keep their social and financial setting enact. In all these scenarios of threat, abuse and violence, safe houses act as a light of hope that allows such individuals to start a new life with regained standards and confidentiality. (Woodlock & D, 2017).
Safe Houses
Safe houses are a major platform which address the needs of the neglected, deprived and isolated women. In accordance with the District Alliance of the Safe Housing (DASH) in Washington DC, a fund named as Survivor Resilience Fund has been initiated that infers a public-private relationship. It is more like a funding program that addresses the sources which can infer principles of survival for self-determination and other trauma-informed care, by making them live a stable life and overcome homelessness. (Woodlock & D, 2017). The ambitions of safe house highlights several main agendas. The first aim of this platform is to address the mobile advocacy taking into account that an individual is placed in a favorable setting. The aim of this approach is to infer funding that can help an individual to address her financial needs and last but not least aim is to incorporate community engagement that can make a woman take part in the social framework and do community works that could facilitate and empower her. (Straus, et, al. 2017).
DV Victims
DV victims are those who have suffered from domestic violence at any point in their lives. Domestic Violence is more like a running head in today’s society, taking into account that about 60% of the total female population has gone through it. There are different frameworks associated with domestic violence taking into account that there are a number of cases that are left unreported and unsaid. The cases that appear on board are so pathetic that a large framework is required to bring those females to normality. An analysis of the timeline of domestic violence has highlighted that domestic violence is not confined to a hampering in the life of an individual apparently, in fact it is an abstraction that is gradually added to the life of women. (Muftić, et, al. 2019). Researchers think that domestic violence is a dilemma that originate from “narrow thoughts” to a feeling of competition that make one of the two mates dominant. According to the report published on Violence, it is asserted that a number of cases related to domestic violence can be traced back to the fact that women are a degraded part of the society, they are meant to serve and bear rather than survive. It is asserted that domestic violence is more like a threat that can cause any traumatic experience along with emotional scars taking into account that violence can even cause an impact on the physical health of a woman as well. (Ide, et, al. 2019). It is evident that a survivor has certain memories and flashbacks, accompanied by a sense of fear and danger that is hard to overcome. Safe houses act as a home to recover life by taking into account that counselling from family and friends is invited. In case of any gap, a consulting session is formulated that could allow an individual to express her feelings, fears and thoughts. (Skelton, & P, 2019). The counsellors are third party members who are void of all judgments, taking into account they listen and work through things that a survivor may be facing. There is certain trauma socialists that can help a survivor to deal with the anxiety and sort out ways that can relieve stress. It is inferred that these specialists can also help an individual overcome the traumatic memories and experiences so that a victim can move ahead in his life. A number of times, group counseling is initiated taking into consideration that it can help an individual to overcome the situations that may pose a serious threat to life. (Skelton, & P, 2019).
Another approach that is incorporated by the survivor of domestic violence is the incorporation of “self-perception and society’s perception” while being at a safe house. It has been highlighted that individuals are interviewed in terms of their fears and then they are provided with psychic education. The aim of such education is to create a healthy relationship between the victim and mentor so that all teachings can be practiced and realized. The session is more like a revival because all aspects of the relationship are highlighted by giving due importance to the aspects and twist of relationships by letting them know that abuser has twisted all the attributes of life. It would not be wrong to say that the individuals who feel stigmatized are then trained for help. A lineage is created in which a victim become sustainer in order to impart the real crux of self-realization and set an example for inspiration. (Murray, et, al. 2015).
Mental Health Services
Mental health services are another platform that can help an individual survive despite a frequent overlapping of mental health and domestic violence. Although there is a number of victims who feel scared to disclose and share their relationship realities, still nurses are trained to create a friendly relationship in which a victim can share his/ her emotions. (Saxton, et, al. 2018). There are a number of mental health services that are provided to people taking into account that it aims at the management of the needs of victim by addressing what they have faced in their lives. It is highlighted that women are more inclined towards emotional attachment and they cannot forget emotional associations where violence is a detachment that is long lasting. (Messing, et, al. 2015). In accordance with the services provided by safe house, it can be inferred that patients of mental health are given medical services instead of counseling services. In fact, clinical services are also issued in order to cater to serious issues. There are a number of cases in which mental health services fail, such patients are given informal channels of recovery such as employing the in-violence survivor where there would be a wide range of options for a victim to overcome whatever is being imposed. The scenario if medications pertain to different situations taking into account that an individual is only given medical course only if she thinks that she is herself responsible for the abuse. The survivor who is given medical services are kept away from opportunities to talk and participate because they may misinterpret the context. (Messing, et, al. 2015).
Emotional support and counseling
Emotional support is one of the necessities for women who have suffered any trauma or violence. It is significant to note that emotional support is a necessity for everyone, either there is a case of violence, abuse or a simple conflict. Research has highlighted that safe houses are a great source of emotional support for females because there are a number of women who have been suffering a lot because of a lack of emotional support. It is asserted that emotional support is not confined to the realms of a happy married life. (Muftić, et, al. 2019). In fact, there are a number of women who are a victim of social complexes that are somewhere treated as a diverse part of abuse. Such complexes include, “lack of economic approach”, “lack of social adherence” and “inferiority complex”. All these complexes pave a way for lack of courage and passion that could lead women to a more suppressed life. There are a number of cases that could be addressed with counseling and safe houses provide a variety of counseling session for such people. There are different avenues that are provided by safe house such as financial platforms. Women are trained and skilled to take part in the walk of life by learning and then employing a specific skill. (Muftić, et, al. 2019).
Women who suffer from complexes of inferiority and deprivation are counseled by self-actualization and self-realization. It is asserted that such platforms not only highlight the importance of women attributes, in fact, it is also an avenue that could allow women to engage themselves in something productive that can lead to their betterment. (Messing, et, al. 2015). Eradication of complexes not only infer a positive approach towards life but it highlights the significance of life where a revival of hope can be made possible. Although there are certain gaps in the approach still it is an avenue of improvement and betterment. There are certain training sessions as well in which women are taught to learn some skills regarding their defense and legislation so that this information can be passed on to save the life of others. (Messing, et, al. 2015). Right to decision making and adherence to the framework of social and moral conduct is also carried out so that there could be an analysis of facts and figures in the light of social and legal requirements. In a nutshell, safe houses incorporate and employ every possible strategy that could regain the strengths and empower women by paving a way to live a renewed and confident life. Although it is a justified truth that it is not an easy task to negate and overcome the influence of violence still women are given the best options that could help them retain their life. (Idris, et, al. 2018).
Lynch, (2018) in his research on “Domestic Violence” has highlighted that there are several programs serving with the sole aim of facilitating women who have experienced violence, taking into account that the aim of any safe house is to infer community-based care that is actually paired with certain housing support. The aim of such supports is to address the survivors of domestic violence and gender identities taking into account they are directed to a safe society. (Lynch, et, al. 2018). There are several programs that are included under the title of rehabilitation of violence taking into account that a number of safe houses incorporate affordable housing units and the relocation of assistance along with options of counseling, rental subsidies, and education so that a victim can be taught both life skills and financial literacy. (Lynch, et, al. 2018).
According to the information collected from National Network to End Domestic Violence it has been highlighted that the sole aim of the organization is to address issues and provide safe working and living environment to women who have been suffering from any kind of abuse and violence in their life. The aim of this organization is to act as a home to the victims who have been treated as the most negated and rejected entities that belong to society. It is significant to note that this department not only addresses the stance of abuse, in fact, it is also more like a survivor center where women are actually counseled and they are taught the new ways of life that can help them forget whatever has happened to them in past. Another aim of the network is to incorporate self-realization in women by taking into account that they are worth living and they can still play a major role in community and society maintenance. However, it is potent to note that the stance of the availability of resources which could address the needs of victims is itself under the instruction of prolonged and enhanced framework so that more housing options can be made valuable for the women. (Idris, et, al. 2018). According to the data collected from Annual Domestic Violence Courts Census, it has been highlighted that the statistics of domestic violence, abuse, and DV are increasing with the passage of time but this ratio is actually and positively catered by the rehabilitation centers that don’t allow a victim to lose life and indulge in any life-threatening act, in fact, it directs women to understand and accept whatever has happened and accept they are made to live in such a social setting where they can feel safe and live in accordance with their background, There are a number of diverse access stations that has been recovered under the impact of these courts. (Ide, et, al. 2019).
According to Ferrari, (2018), it is asserted that the sole aim of such an institution is not only to divide shelter, but they also act as a complete package of life. The survivors of the violence are made to go through system advocacy where training and teaching to the victims are given in order to make them play their part in society. It is significant to note that victims are taught ways and other options for life that can help them live and it is actually accompanied by the knowledge of laws and policies that have been formulated for the survival of such victims. (Lynch, et, al. 2018). Side by side certain promising and collaborative services are provided that can help a victim who is receiving confidential training and guidance regarding life and other morals. (Ide, et, al. 2019).
Homelessness, and insecurity
The intersection of homelessness violence and insecurity have become a major section of society. This section is not only spreading with the passage of time but there are a number of devastations associated with it. It is asserted that these dilemmas are primary barriers in the maintenance of a welfare society. According to research, domestic violence is one of the major causes of homelessness for women, about 90% of women who are homeless actually experience several types of sexual abuse or other physical violence at a point in their lives. However, about 63% of women are a victim of sexual abuse of domestic violence which could make them leave their houses. In such a scenario, "Safe House for Women" is acting as a lifeboat, taking into account that it is a platform that can make women survive and revive for life. (Dutton, et, al. 2018). Although there are several safe houses that are providing pathways to a life of liberty, still, there are a number of barriers that actually prevent the survivors from maintaining a safe and affordable life. It refers to the fact that the influence of abuse also becomes a pathway in terms of learning and maintain life even after reaching a safe house. (Idris, et, al. 2018). It is asserted that there are a number of women who are not allowed to leave their houses in order to learn a skill and they are not given access to family finances, because they have been prohibited from working or they have their credit scores destructed and mitigated under the impression of the abusive partner. There are a number of victims who face discrimination in accessing or maintain the housing actually relying on the criminal action or violence of the perpetrators. (Carthy, et, al. 2018). It is further added that the victims are limited in terms of types of housing because there is a strong cultural and social influence in the requirement of the victim. A failure to address the gaps may result in the inability of the victim to survive and become an active part of a society where they can live in accordance with their will. It is highlight that a major gap has been observed in many terms of unique safety attributes and the confidentiality of their needs taking into account the housing assistance programs are themselves facing barriers in terms of fulfilling the needs of the victims. (Carthy, et, al. 2018).
According to Campbell, (2018), the incorporation of “Violence Against Women” Act is another platform that has provided a number of codes of conduct that can induce safe housing protections by allowing victims to overcome domestic violence and maintain safe housing. However, it is significant to note that the protection and intervention infer under the impression of VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) is actually not fully implemented, there is a gap between a theatrical and practical framework and it is the responsibility of the government to address the needs of such platform so that they can cater to the needs of other victims. In accordance with the review that is published and inferred in a research, it is highlighted that victims are getting back to life. Training and counseling has enabled these victims to get back to life after overcoming the traumatic effects. (Ferrari, et, al. 2018).
Legal Approach
Legal services play a major role in directing the actions of those who have suffered from violence and abuse taking into account that Legal Service Corporation is one such platform that provides high-quality legal assistance for victims. It also includes the initiation of violence prevention measures by enforcing, renewing and obtaining orders in court. (Campbell, et, al. 2018). It is asserted that the intervention of public policy is more like a tribute because it has played a major role in addressing the barriers that exist between both housing and survivors. (Idris, et, al. 2018). It is inferred that there was a displacement in the actual paradigms of the features that are associated with housing schemes, but NNEDV (National Network to End Domestic Violence) has incorporated a number of ways which ensure that needs of the survivor are met and understood with an interference of federal housing legislation and the legislation formulated by the NNEDV communities. NNEDV communicate the needs to policymakers and other authorities who are designed for this purpose while federal legislation increases the strengths by advocating the policy. It is significant to note that in the last few years a Senate bill has been passed that has the sole aim of addressing historic investments that can help a victim to survive. (Ferrari, et, al. 2018).
The FY 2018 THUD (Transportation, Housing and Urban Development) appropriations bill include about $25 million that can pave way for new funding, facilitating rapid housing projects and other platforms which could serve the victims of district violence, stalking and dating. (Ferrari, et, al. 2018). In accordance with this provision, it is asserted that the survivor could be given more options for better and safe housing which can allow them to live and adhere to the living standards by overcoming certain gaps and complications. (Lynch, et, al. 2018). There are a number of victims for whom child custody issues are addressed. The aim of such platforms is to protect the legal and safety rights of both children and mothers taking into account that divorce, unemployment and housing problems are also addressed by the legal authorities. The legal aid is another option that acts as a lifeboat for the victims of domestic violence. In accordance with the study of Institute of Policy Integration, it is highlighted that civil legal aid is more effective as compared to access to shelter or other counseling services. The implication of Collateral efforts has paved the way for improved living standards. (Bergstrom-Lynch, et, al. 2018).
Discussion
In accordance with the recent studies, it has been highlighted that safe houses are more like a lifeboat that can help an individual to overcome the complications of life and start new beginnings with improved living standards. It is significant to note that safe houses have brought a great revolution in the rates of violence and abuse, taking into account a reduced record of victims. However, it is also important to note that this is not the only side of the picture, the other side reflects a different story where there are several complications in terms of services provided to the victims. Taking into consideration an increased number of victims who belong to diverse areas and cultural differences, a lot of attention has been diverted to issues regarding feasible areas of survival. Moreover, there is a lack of other approaches that can facilitate such people. It is asserted that the financial platform is lacking which can help women to overcome complications and take a step ahead in their lives. Overall, it can be highlighted that safe houses are a positive step to recover the loss implanted by violent mates and partners.
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