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Transition House-How to establish A Refuge for battered women
Year Published: 1982Resource Type: Article Cx Number: CX2633 Abstract: The late 60's and early 70's saw a great increase in community-based services organized by women for women and children. Supported by a combination of volunteer work and short-term grants, women's, health centres, newsletters, action groups, and drop-in centres grew as a part of the women's movement. Such centres attracted many women, including those who were beaten by their husbands. In 1971, Chiswich Women's Aid Centre in London, England became the first transition house specifically designed for battered women. Two years later, three transition houses were opened in Canada. Although many others have opened since that time, the need by far exceeds the resources available. The severe shortage of affordable housing in most Canadian cities has put further demands on tranisitoin house beds. The task of establishing a transition house is time consuming and complicated (Experience has shown that it takes two-three years of work to open a new facility). TRANSITION HOUSE - HOW TO ESTABLISH A REFUGE FOR BATTERED WOMEN is a pragmatic "how-to" handbook that outlines in detail the steps involved in developing a transition house. Information and examples are provided for each stage of the process, from the initial stage of establishing basic values and goals to forming a society, fundraising, preparing pamphlets , public relations work, to the actual opening of the house. There are additional sections on administration and management, record-keeping and accountability, and long term considerations. Although the information is in most cases specific to British Columbia, the manual would be a useful resource in the otehr provinces and the territories. |