Second Stage shelters for battered women: Is there a need?

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to illustrate the need for Second Stage shelter programs for battered women. A five page survey instrument in the form of a questionnaire was sent to the Program Directors of each Second Stage shelter listed by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as being presently functioning. The hypothesis of this study--the need for Second Stage shelter programs for battered women--was tested by a review of the literature, quantitative data collection and analysis, and a discussion of the qualitative responses (both requested and volunteered). Collectively, the information received from the respondents provided significant data on three areas of importance in this research: (1) characteristics of Second Stage shelter programs; (2) characteristics of Second Stage shelter services and, (3) characteristics of Second Stage shelter clients. Interpretation of the information using descriptive analysis demonstrated a pressing need for Second Stage shelter programs.