Shelters do much more than provide a roof and food for a survivor and their children. Many shelters and advocates seek to provide advocacy beyond leaving and a comprehensive array of services that are survivor-defined, empowering, trauma-informed and culturally-relevant. They offer a variety of services and programs to help survivors and their children learn about domestic violence, plan for their safety, engage with others, find resources, and discover new interests and possibilities. In addition, shelter programs can offer legal and economic advocacy to promote autonomy and self-sufficiency. This section includes information about starting support groups, alternative and experiential activities, and creating productive discussions in domestic violence shelters.
