This is a very interesting article by AZDailySun.com reporter Michelle McManimon about a domestic violence shelter
that's seen a marked increase in demand even though calls to police have decreased. That's because the local police department has been very active about providing more referrals. The number of people using the shelter is likely to increase, because the police will be using a domestic violence screening tool to identify women most at risk.
Another factor keeping the women’s shelter full is a new model the shelter staff recently adopted. It is called Trauma-Informed Care. Rather than evicting women for breaking the rules, the staff focuses on delivering services in a way that empowers trauma victims without exacerbating their suffering. The women at the shelter also have access to a case manager and legal advocate, educational programs, children’s groups, meditation sessions and free counseling. With all those resources, Seward said she has noticed more women staying at the shelter four months — the maximum time allowed — and fewer leaving within a few weeks.
On Tuesday, there were 13 women and 11 children staying at the Northland Women’s Shelter. At times, the shelter has sent children fleeing domestic violence to the Northland Youth Shelter next door while their mothers stay at the women’s shelter because there just are not enough beds for the whole family.
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