This research paper deals with the subject “The life after – Empowerment strategies of the “Verein Wiener Frauenhäuser” and their sustainable effects on the life-concepts of former inhabitants. Every fourth women has experienced domestic violence in a relationship at one point in their life. The “Verein Wiener Frauenhäuser” is a central contact point for shelter which offers a wide range of support and help. Besides security and protective measures, coping strategies to overcome the experiences with violence, legal support and consultations as well as assistance in dealing with public authorities, the special focus of the society lies on specific empowerment of the refuges inhabitants. The self-empowering working methods of the women´s refuge enable the affected women to learn new methods of thinking and acting in their life. Furthermore these women should be prevented of experiencing violence again. This bachelor thesis deals especially with the changes of self-images and self-perceptions of the interviewed women and their newly learned coping strategies in dealing with potential anew situations of domestic violence. |