Social support systems and future expectations of shelter-residing women

Violence against women is a significant social problem that is frequently studied. In this regard, there have been numerous researches about different forms of violence in Turkey. Violence is the primary reason for seeking a shelter by women. However, many of them consider a shelter protection as the last resort of rescue. Women may also apply for a shelter for other reasons apart from violence. In this point, women shelters have an important role to provide protection and to be a safe place for women. This study aimed to find out experiences of women who are residing at a shelter due to their life problems, especially violence, and to recognize their social support systems before coming shelter. Furthermore, this study had a goal to understand women's future life expectations after shelter. The study has a qualitative research design to explore women's unique life experiences. Data were collected from 20 women staying at three different shelters, which are under Ministry of Family and Social Policies in Ankara, through in-depth interviews. Participants were chosen from those who stayed more than a month at the shelter and those who acccepted to be interviewed. Research findings showed that participants are mostly have low level of education, married in their early ages, not involved in working life and young mothers. Most of them had long-term family related and marital problems and were subjected to different forms of violence. Common reasons of seeking protection and coming to shelter are getting away from violence, lacking of social support, financial difficulties and need for accomodation. The major demand of women is finding a job and being independent in their own life. It is very important to provide necessary services to respond their demand of empowerment and emancipation.