Thesis (M. Arch.)--University of South Florida, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 89-91). Online version available on World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1984. / Typescript. Vita. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 203-206).

Police statistics in South Africa show that the numbers of reported rape cases are growing annually and studies have shown that a large percentage of women are not reporting their rapes. My research looks at the experiences of women who were raped by a “known person” and were at the time of the research living in a shelter, either as a result of abuse or because they were homeless. Through standpoint theory I made use of my own rape experience as an opener into the area of research and as a tool in obtaining the respondents for my research. In-depth interviews were utilised in obtaining the detailed narratives from the women who took part in the research. The narratives were based on the women’s experiences of rape by a “known person”. Within the research a “known person” included, amongst others, family members, “boyfriends”, friends and intimate partners. The aim of my research was to provide insight into the experience of being raped and to show how for women it is a lived experience that affected the course of their lives. The narratives were linked to the greater theoretical context of rape in South Africa. This was done in order to highlight the extent of the influence that the rape experience has on the survivor’s life and the choices that they make. Overall, my research sought to give insight into the subject of rape in South Africa, in order to highlight the fact that rape goes beyond the statistics and to show how the women’s individual rape experiences shaped their lives. Within my research report I have highlighted the literature on rape, both globally and that which is specific to South Africa. The report then goes on to look at the theory of feminism, feminist standpoint theory, patriarchy as an element of feminism, stigma, rape myths or stereotypes and structure and agency. This is followed by an outline of the methodology used, an introduction to the research site and the detailed narratives of the respondents. This is all drawn together in the analysis chapter where the narratives are linked to both the literature and the theoretical framework. The conclusion summarises everything and notes the limitations, findings and the way forward for the research. My research could be criticised for the small number of respondents, however, due to the nature of the research topic, it was imperative to obtain very detailed data. My research also chose to focus on women from a low socio-economic background and all the respondents were from an African or mixed-race racial group. However, due to their own personal experience of rape, other women will still be able to relate to the respondents’ experience, due to the commonality of the violation of the female body. The narratives came from the respondents themselves and this increased the validity of the information. My own rape experience could have had both a positive and negative impact on my research. My rape story assisted in obtaining the respondents as well as in my understanding of the area of research, however, it could also have led to possible bias on my behalf as the researcher, and it is therefore acknowledged. My research was largely able to confirm what was found in the literature and it shows how a girl child who has been abused is more likely to be abused as an adult. It also focused on how the family was able to hide the abuse and keep the women from seeking the necessary help. It highlighted the power men held over women due to patriarchy and the role that virginity played for the respondents. The role of religion in the respondent’s post-rape experience was also looked at. Following on from my research there are areas that can be strengthened as well as areas for further research. One example of this was the interlinked issues that were raised regarding family, virginity and culture.

Transition homes are critical sources of support for women and children fleeing domestic violence or facing difficulties with housing and poverty. More than just a safe place to stay, transition homes offer residents access to a variety of services that will help them to better their lives. The increasing rate of single women heading households and the rise of homeless women and children are recent social developments that reflect the need for transition homes. Changes in family lifestyle require a redefinition of the traditional housing model to involve sharing and providing services within a larger community. Studies of alternative housing indicate that some women would prefer to live in women-only housing with moderate design alterations that address safety concerns. This is particularly relevant to women who frequently wind up homeless due to problems with career opportunities or managing households on their own. A communal support structure can assist women with making new lives for themselves and their families in a transition home and afterwards. Furthermore, characteristics of the built environment influence personal wellbeing, social interaction, relationships with staff, and the impression on the surrounding community. This thesis explores the design of a transition home that integrates social programs and outreach services to help improve the lives of women and children in need. Through deliberate design choices, architects can offer an appropriate solution to women’s housing issues that foster independence, provide safety and give hope for a brighter future.

Transition homes are critical sources of support for women and children fleeing domestic violence or facing difficulties with housing and poverty. More than just a safe place to stay, transition homes offer residents access to a variety of services that will help them to better their lives. The increasing rate of single women heading households and the rise of homeless women and children are recent social developments that reflect the need for transition homes. Changes in family lifestyle require a redefinition of the traditional housing model to involve sharing and providing services within a larger community. Studies of alternative housing indicate that some women would prefer to live in women-only housing with moderate design alterations that address safety concerns. This is particularly relevant to women who frequently wind up homeless due to problems with career opportunities or managing households on their own. A communal support structure can assist women with making new lives for themselves and their families in a transition home and afterwards. Furthermore, characteristics of the built environment influence personal wellbeing, social interaction, relationships with staff, and the impression on the surrounding community. This thesis explores the design of a transition home that integrates social programs and outreach services to help improve the lives of women and children in need. Through deliberate design choices, architects can offer an appropriate solution to women’s housing issues that foster independence, provide safety and give hope for a brighter future.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--York University, 1998. Graduate Programme in Psychology. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 157-168). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/yorku/fullcit?pNQ39293.

The purpose of this study was to illustrate the need for Second Stage shelter programs for battered women. A five page survey instrument in the form of a questionnaire was sent to the Program Directors of each Second Stage shelter listed by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as being presently functioning. The hypothesis of this study--the need for Second Stage shelter programs for battered women--was tested by a review of the literature, quantitative data collection and analysis, and a discussion of the qualitative responses (both requested and volunteered). Collectively, the information received from the respondents provided significant data on three areas of importance in this research: (1) characteristics of Second Stage shelter programs; (2) characteristics of Second Stage shelter services and, (3) characteristics of Second Stage shelter clients. Interpretation of the information using descriptive analysis demonstrated a pressing need for Second Stage shelter programs.

This exploratory study sought to understand the current lived experiences of shelter workers in the Province of Manitoba. Using Concept Mapping as the methodology, a map of their experiences was constructed. Four themes emerged: 1) Shelter worker's beliefs assist in navigating the territories; 2) Insufficient funding of shelters impacts shelter workers' personal and professional life; 3) Organizational culture and values present a vast array of challenges to shelter workers and lastly 4) External agencies and societal responses to domestic violence/women play a role in how shelter workers see themselves. Pattern matching revealed that previous counselling experience rather than age, length of employment and childhood history of trauma had the lowest level of agreement among participants. Findings also suggest that workers with a history of childhood trauma may be more aware of safety issues than workers without a trauma history. recommendations call for more research on shelter workers in Northern Manitoba as well as boards and management of shelters in all parts of the province. Safety issues of workers, organizational values and beliefs of shelters, worker's coping strategies, positive aspects of the profession, and the relationship between worker and client were other areas for future research

This exploratory study sought to understand the current lived experiences of shelter workers in the Province of Manitoba. Using Concept Mapping as the methodology, a map of their experiences was constructed. Four themes emerged: 1) Shelter worker's beliefs assist in navigating the territories; 2) Insufficient funding of shelters impacts shelter workers' personal and professional life; 3) Organizational culture and values present a vast array of challenges to shelter workers and lastly 4) External agencies and societal responses to domestic violence/women play a role in how shelter workers see themselves. Pattern matching revealed that previous counselling experience rather than age, length of employment and childhood history of trauma had the lowest level of agreement among participants. Findings also suggest that workers with a history of childhood trauma may be more aware of safety issues than workers without a trauma history. recommendations call for more research on shelter workers in Northern Manitoba as well as boards and management of shelters in all parts of the province. Safety issues of workers, organizational values and beliefs of shelters, worker's coping strategies, positive aspects of the profession, and the relationship between worker and client were other areas for future research

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Massachusetts, 1983. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (p. 167-172). Also issued in print.