A socioeconomic examination at a women's shelter

Violence against women is a common problem in our country. Women's shelter are founded under local authorities, social services and non profit organisations to protect women from violence and support their independence/well being. In this study, historic progression of in Turkey and in the world is examined under feminist perspective. The aim of this study is to explain working principles and practices workings of a women's shelters. In this study, socio- economic data such as age groups, education levels, submission and discharge reasons of 637 women who has used the services of a women's shelter under local government in İzmir has been investigated. In the light of the results, it has been found that the women and children use the women's shelter not only as shelter but also as accommodation. The demographic of the users indicate women who are admitted to shelter are mostly in 26_50 age group, with low education levels and with low social support. These results are in accordance of the other studies in the literature. The importance of increasing of the number of the women's shelter and the service provided for women and children are evident.