Housing Policy And Practices: Battered Women's And Service Providers' Perspectives

This paper describes the results from interviews with fifty-five women across six transitional housing supportive housing programs in a midwestern state. Women's recommendations for transitional housing are discussed and the paper emphasizes maximizing women's input and choice into the design and policies of such programs. Advocates and programs looking at whether and how to design a transitional housing program will find this paper helpful for a philosophical framework grounded in what women actually say and experience in terms of transitional housing. Note: This paper is an earlier draft of a subsequently published article which advocates may want to consult as well - Melbin, A., Sullivan, C.M., & Cain, D. (2003). Transitional supportive housing programs: Battered women's perspectives and recommendations. Affilia: Journal of Women and Social Work, 18, 445-460.