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Why do they Stay? Examining Contributing Factors to Women’s Length of Stay in a Domestic Violence Shelter

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Abstract

Previous research in the domestic violence literature suggests that the longer women remain in shelters, the more likely they are to benefit from their stay. However, we know little about the factors that influence women’s length of stay in shelters. This study examines demographic data, abuse history, situational needs, and contextual factors in a sample of 210 women accessing a Domestic Violence shelter in Bogota (Colombia) from 2010 to 2012. Results showed that the women’s level of education, level of needs, and the extent to which needs are met, were associated with increased length of stay. The findings contribute to the discussion on the services that could be offered to survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) accessing shelters.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Los Andes, Cra 1 #18A-12, Bogota, Colombia

    Monica Perez-Trujillo

  2. School of Management, University of Los Andes, Cra 1 #18A-12, Bogota, Colombia

    Eric Quintane

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  1. Monica Perez-Trujillo
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  2. Eric Quintane
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Correspondence to Monica Perez-Trujillo.

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Perez-Trujillo, M., Quintane, E. Why do they Stay? Examining Contributing Factors to Women’s Length of Stay in a Domestic Violence Shelter. J Fam Viol 32, 89–100 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-016-9904-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-016-9904-1

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