From crisis to stability
Welcome to Heart of the Haven, an educational series committed to raising awareness and providing support for those affected by domestic and family violence. In this article, we explore the critical transition from crisis accommodation to stable, long-term housing.
Understanding Readiness for Transition
The transition from crisis accommodation to stable housing is a critical phase for women and children seeking refuge from domestic violence. Understanding when someone is ready to move on involves several key factors. Financial stability is paramount; it’s essential that the woman can afford the type of housing she is transitioning into. The Haven's caseworkers, work closely with clients to identify the best fit for their family type and financial situation. The objective is to ensure sustainable tenancy, avoiding scenarios where financial constraints could lead to failure.
Another vital aspect is reducing self-blame and the psychological attachment to the perpetrator. Often, women still feel a strong connection to their abuser due to ongoing psychological abuse, increasing the risk of returning to the relationship. The Haven focuses on building emotional and psychological safety to help women break free from this attachment, fostering independence and resilience.
Support Beyond Crisis Accommodation
Once a woman decides to transition out of crisis accommodation, The Haven provides extensive post-separation support. This support includes connecting clients with family law solicitors to handle property settlements, divorces, and child custody arrangements. These legal processes can take one to two years, so The Haven's outreach support is flexible and ongoing. Women can reach out whenever they need assistance, even months or years after leaving the shelter.
Sustaining a tenancy is another crucial element of The Haven's support. This involves facilitating education and employment opportunities, ensuring women have access to traineeships, and reducing barriers to study. Financial support for course fees helps women build their education and enter different employment sectors. Practical guidance on paying rent and bills, maintaining a home, and advocating for themselves in tenancy-related issues are also provided to help women manage their new homes effectively.
Maintaining Community Connections
Community connection is a vital part of post-crisis recovery. The Haven organises picnics every school holiday for all families who have been through the shelter, fostering a sense of community and mutual support. Group work focused on post-separation recovery helps women rebuild their lives, providing a supportive network that extends beyond the shelter.
Challenges Post-Separation
Post-separation, women often continue to face various forms of abuse, particularly when children are involved. The dynamics of power and control shift, with abusers exploiting their limited access points—mainly through children and finances. The Duluth Power and Control Wheel, a tool used by The Haven, highlights these post-separation behaviours. Abusers might withhold child support payments, delay property settlements, interfere with child custody arrangements, and even unenroll children from school. One common tactic is not returning children after visitation, a method used to exert control.
To navigate these challenges, The Haven quickly connects women with family law advice, equipping them with the necessary legal support to counter these control tactics. The goal is to embed women in community support systems, providing them with local counsellors, victim services, tenancy advice services, and family support services. This comprehensive network ensures women have ongoing support, independent of The Haven, as they adapt to their new lives.
The transition from crisis accommodation to stable housing involves a multifaceted support system that addresses financial stability, emotional resilience, legal challenges, and practical life skills. The Haven’s approach emphasises long-term support, community connection, and empowering women to navigate the complexities of post-separation life successfully.