Employment Skills and Domestic Violence Survivors: A Shelter-Based Intervention

Domestic violence impacts women's ability to work. Women's ability to function and maintain employment skills are often diminished by the experience of repeated abuse. In domestic violence shelter settings, staff does not have enough time, adequate training, or sufficient materials available to develop or deliver life skills interventions related to employment. This article describes an occupational therapy intervention designed to increase skills needed for employment for domestic violence victims residing in a shelter. All women completed a self-assessment prior to participating in the four-week group and individual intervention. Challenges and strategies learned are discussed. Suggestions for replication are provided.