Multiprofessional work in child protection in Portugal: what can maximize positive results? - Children victims of domestic violence: protection intervention in shelters

Abstract

Objectives: Domestic violence shelters are temporary homes for women escaping imminent danger and seeking safety from domestic violence. Often they are accompanied by their children, whose needs must be addressed as well. In fact, domestic violence may cause severe disruptions in the lives of children and youth, affecting them in many ways. For this reason, it is worthwhile to study how they perceive this event and its impact on their lives. Method: In this presentation we will describe a qualitative study that aimed at understanding how children perceive domestic violence shelters before and after being sheltered. The sample was composed by ten Portuguese children who were victims of domestic violence, aged between seven and seventeen years, of both sexes, who were housed with their mothers in a shelter for at least a month. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview which had been previously tested. Results: Three topics emerged from the content analysis: i) "representation of the shelter", ii) "(in) adaptation/experiences in the shelter", iii) "fallback solution". Children identified aspects requiring further attention: i) The preparation of admission and exit processes; ii) Prioritize and strengthen security within shelters; iii) The need to specifically address children’s psychological and developmental needs; iv) Strengthen children’s attachment relationships; v) The cooperation between community and protection services; vi) Personal social networks. Conclusions: This study has shown that children have a positive view of shelters, as a starting point to a new life project, valuing professional’s role and the support they offer, and seeing them as protective figures. However, shelters remain primarily focused on adult victims, even if these children are at risk for developing a range of problems from their exposure to domestic violence. The focus of intervention should encompass both adult and children victims.