Women's Shelter Strategy 2023 to 2026
The Women's Shelter Association is a non-profit organization run by women who have been victims of intimate partner violence and their children. All of the shelter's activities are aimed at the well-being of the women and their children.
The association's ROLE according to its statutes is:
- To run a shelter for women and their children who have been subjected to emotional, physical or sexual violence in an intimate relationship.
- To provide advice and information to victims of violence and their families.
- To promote education and community discussion about gender-based violence.
The organization's VISION is that all women and their children who have been subjected to violence in intimate relationships receive support, temporary shelter and a loving home. The organization also plays a leading role in education and community discussion about gender-based violence in intimate relationships and its seriousness.
The organization's values of PROFESSIONALISM, LOVE, and FLEXIBILITY are guiding principles in all of the shelter's activities, both internally and externally.
The strategy is divided into three main components:
Professional activities and services
The emphasis is on welcoming all women and assisting them with professionalism and flexibility. Women and their children who have had to flee their homes due to violence are welcomed. The shelter and its emergency phone line are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. In addition, an interview service is maintained for women who have experienced violence in intimate relationships but do not stay in the shelter. The emphasis is on women guiding their own path with professional support and empowerment from counselors. Women are given space to process their experiences and insights. Women also receive advice and support regarding their interactions with institutions and public bodies. The women's shelter strives to have good connections with its partners, which should facilitate the resolution of the issues of the women who seek the shelter.
The aim is to meet the needs of children according to their age and development. Efforts are made to ensure that children receive high-quality and continuous support during their stay. Children's work is developed based on the shelter's many years of experience and also taking into account the latest research and knowledge on the consequences of violence against children. Efforts are made to ensure that children receive the services within the system that they need.
Education, communication and community relations
The shelter provides education about gender-based violence in intimate relationships with the aim of increasing awareness of its manifestations and consequences and the resources available. The shelter takes the initiative to provide education to secondary schools and major institutions in the country and is ready to collaborate if requested. Information about the activities and education is available on the shelter's website and social media. Increased knowledge and education is promoted for women who seek the shelter with the aim of empowering them. The shelter's activities are made visible by regularly providing information to the media, participating in social media and by providing education and regular information to partners. The women's shelter actively participates in community discussions about gender-based violence. The women's shelter presents professional perspectives when laws related to the issue are being processed in the Althingi. The women's shelter participates in organized events, such as seminars, conferences and meetings, that discuss gender-based violence and remedies against it. The shelter actively participates in Nordic and international cooperation in this field.
Human resources, organization and operations
The women's shelter strives to ensure that its human resources have the experience and capabilities needed to meet the needs and values of the operation. Care is taken to ensure that new staff receive good and appropriate training. Continuous professional development is promoted in line with a professional development plan prepared by employees and managers. Employees show respect for each other and are guided by positive communication. Managers should promote good consultation through active listening and space for expression. Good information flow is ensured within the work group, through regular meetings and the targeted use of communication media. To ensure quality of service and coordination in the operation, clear work processes and disciplined working methods are in place. Useful and fair discussion about what can be improved is encouraged. The women's shelter is run responsibly in accordance with the budget. Efforts are made to ensure transparency in decision-making and the flow of information between the board and staff.
