| Abstrakt: |
This research examined domestic violence services and programs provided in rural and urban Pennsylvania. The research looked at the needs and characteristics of both the agencies and their clients. From the standpoint of program leaders, it identified possible service gaps and evaluated program adequacy. In addition, Pennsylvania's challenges to successful domestic violence service delivery were examined. A structured questionnaire was used as a primary method of data collection and explored answers for research questions on the challenges and opportunities Domestic Violence agencies' leaderships experiences in providing services. The sampling frame included 60 service providers from Pennsylvania, of which 45 agencies serving the survivors of Domestic Violence participated. A University grant provided funding for this research, and the partnership with Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence provided technical assistance and access to agencies. Interviews were done with the Agency leaders who agreed to participate, and it lasted for about 45 -60 minutes. The study found that there is a wide consensus among leaders that transportation and transitional housing services are inadequate in their program service areas while services like crisis hotline, general advocacy, and case management are exceptional. Over 50% of the agencies did not comment on the adequacies of the services such as Job Coaching, Immigrations services, Divorce/Custody representation, and Criminal Court representation. The results have several policy implications regarding federal and state government programs, specific considerations to fund transportation, transitional housing, and legal advocacy services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
