Occupational Needs and Goals of Survivors of Domestic Violence

ABSTRACT

This study's purpose was to describe the occupational needs and goals of women residing in a domestic violence shelter and their self-perceived changes in satisfaction and occupational performance. Using a retrospective design, data from 68 occupational therapy evaluations from two domestic violence shelter settings were examined. Data were analyzed by coding problem areas and occupational goals and calculating frequencies for these variables. Where data were available, we also analyzed changes in pre- and postscores for self-perceived satisfaction and occupational performance (n = 25). The most common problem areas were leisure, education, work, child rearing, and health management. The most common goals were in the areas of education, work, health management, child rearing, and home management. Retrospective pre- and postchange scores in performance and satisfaction for 25 women were statistically significant. Findings provide direction for, and highlight the importance of occupational therapy services within domestic violence shelters as women regain their life skills.

KEYWORDS.:

• Domestic violence
• occupational therapy
• self-perception

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We would like to thank our partnering shelters for their dedication to making a difference in the lives of the women they serve. We extend our gratitude to Rachelle Murphy for her editorial support.

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Heather Javaherian-Dysinger

Heather Javaherian-Dysinger, OTD, OTR/L, Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA

Dragana Krpalek

Dragana Krpalek, PhD, OTR/L, Assistant Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA

Esther Huecker

Esther Huecker, PhD, OTR/L, FAOTA, Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA

Liane Hewitt

Liane Hewitt, DrPH, CHES, Department Chair, Associate Professor, Department of Occupational Therapy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA

Michelle Cabrera

Michelle Cabrera, MOT, OTR/L, Department of Occupational Therapy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA

Canique Brown

Canique Brown, MOT, OTR/L, West Boca Medical Center and Department of Occupational Therapy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA

Jason Francis

Jason Francis, MOT, OTR/L, Department of Occupational Therapy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA

Katie Rogers

Katie Rogers, MOT, OTR/L, Department of Occupational Therapy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA

Sage Server

Sage Server, MOT, OTR/L, Corona Norco School District and Department of Occupational Therapy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.