This master's thesis addresses the problem of intimate partner violence against women with a focus on the role of safe houses. There are five different forms of violence: physical, psychological, sexual, economic violence, and stalking. Social patterns are associated with the incidence of intimate partner violence. Victims experience a variety of physical and psychological consequences, and normally stay in a relationship for a long time before they manage to leave their abusive partner. One of the forms of aid to victims of intimate partner violence are safe houses, which provide a safe environment and psychosocial help for the victims and their children. Which are the roles of the safe house in solving intimate partner violence against women we found out through interviews with the professionals in safe houses and through the stories of users. In this way, we gave the victims a voice and empowered them. The safe house provides separate bedrooms for victims, other living spaces are shared. Users of safe houses can organize their days the way they like, professional staff encourage them to live a normal life as much as possible. The safe house enables them to share their experiences with other victims who have similar stories. Life in a community allows them to learn how to address conflicts that arise when living with other people. The professional staff in the safe house strive to provide a safe environment for women and to empower them by regaining the strength that was taken from them. As the main roles of the safe house in solving intimate partner violence against women we can state safety, various forms of aid and professional support.
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