Domestic violence in the Dominican Republic: An abused women's shelter

Domestic violence in the Dominican Republic occurs at an alarming rate. For example, in 2005 there were 485 reported cases with 117 fatalities in Santo Domingo alone. In many cases women and children are forced to stay in abusive situations and lack the resources to leave. Thus, their physical and mental health is greatly affected.

Fundación Familia Sana, a non-profit organization, established the only known shelter for abused women in the Dominican Republic in 2001. Through the Secretary of State of Women, women and their children can now seek refuge at the shelter which is located in a small rural undisclosed town.

This study sought to understand the demographics of women who utilize the shelter's services and to determine the efficacy of the shelter in terms of the women's overall health. A multi-method approach, using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, was employed to complete this comprehensive assessment. The study focused on how domestic abuse has affected the women's physical and mental health and the overall impact of the services on their well-being. Results indicate that the shelter helped to provide immediate assistance to those that sought refuge. Women received primary health care and legal counseling while their children received educational services. However, there is a need for mental health and long term services that would greatly benefit the women. Overall, findings from this study have added to the understanding of domestic violence, an under-reported and understudied phenomenon in the Dominican Republic.