Evaluation of the services provided for children residing in women's shelter: The example of İstanbul

Nowadays, the element of violence that emerges in all areas of life is also experienced within the family, especially women by their men, who are usually in a strong position in the family in terms of social norms. Children also witness and become subject of the violence in the family. Intense feelings of fear and anxiety occur in children who witness violence between their parents which leads to feel low self-esteem. Children need help to overcome this trauma and to be included in social life. For women who are victims of violence, an important place to establish a life free from violence is women's shelters. Services may be provided to children who witness or suffer violence to ensure their physical safety and promote mental and emotional health including mother-child relationship. As a result of the studies on this field, priority was given to women more than the children. This study is aimed at children who are victims of violence, which is still a small number in Turkey. It is necessary to update the work on the support and services provided in the shelter. Considering the contribution of these support and services to children who are victims of violence, or understanding the missing aspects, if any, thus to contribute to the literature. It is a qualitative study conducted with a phenomenological method based on the experiences of women and shelter workers regarding these services for children.