Information+Needs

** Information Needs **
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I. Introduction
The information needs of abused women are similar to the basic needs of all people; however, the crisis-oriented and progressive nature of a victim’s situation requires an overwhelming amount of information that can be difficult for the survivor to navigate. Information needs for this population vary as they are effected by the woman’s individual case, sociocultural and economic condition. The individuals and agencies that provide support services work with survivors to identify their specific information needs so that they may better assist the escape and rebuilding of lives post-abuse.

II. Consideration of Change
At this early stage, the initial decision to leave an abusive environment brings about several information needs. First, women require information on types, patterns and the nature of abuse as they attempt to define their situation. Second, survivors seek information on shelters and the services they provide. An understanding of police procedures and proper reporting and documentation methods is also essential. Undoubtedly, the most significant information need is financial. The victim’s ability or inability to provide for herself or her family greatly impacts her decision to change her life.

III. After Separation
The information needs of an abuse survivor continue to evolve after she has left the relationship. She will begin to require information about benefits and government aid programs including food and cash assistance. If children are involved, she will begin to seek information on daycare and counseling programs as well as extended government and social services. Information on relocation to other shelters or cities will be necessary if the victim is in continued danger or has exceeded the length of stay at the shelter. Survivors also require information on transportation services, both public and private, in order to apply for services, look for employment and meet the needs of their children. At this stage, the woman will also begin to inquire about health care information, both physical and mental.

IV. Post-Shelter
As the survivor prepares to leave the care of police or shelter staff her information needs shift from immediate to a more permanent state. Housing, employment and continued education become a focus. The survivor will need information on affordable housing and rental assistance programs, temporary and future employment and perhaps financial aid and university education as a means to obtain a higher paying job. After these interrelated needs are met, the survivor will require information on basic materials including clothing, furniture and house wares.

V. Legal Information
Throughout the course of the above progressive stages of information needs, the victim will battle an ongoing need for legal information. She will need to obtain and understand information regarding child custody, support, visitation and protective services, court and police procedures, criminal proceedings, divorce and property information, documentation of abuse, protection from the abuser and in some cases personal criminal records and their affect on all proceedings.

VI. Graph
The chart below shows the number of calls related to the information needs of abuse survivors, from January 1, 2011 to present, placed to HandsOn Central Ohio, the 2-1-1 Information and Referral service for Franklin County and Columbus. It is important to note that HandsOn Central Ohio does not specifically ask the caller if they are in an abuse situation so the reflected calls were not made solely by survivors; however, only data from individuals who identified themselves as female is used.

Referral Count from 1/1/2011 to 10/19/2011 Total Calls in Date Range: 42898. Total Calls Represented: 633.

VII. Sources
This study looks to identify information needs in Intimate Partner Survivors. Analysis reveals 3 progressive situations of information needs: considering a change from an abusive situation, adjusting to change while in the shelter or criminal justice system and preparing for post-shelter/police life. An additional continual need of legal information need is also identified. It touches on the difference between crisis-orientated needs, and everyday information needs. The article goes more in depth talking about information needs that lead to a complete life change: education, job, financial counseling, housing, government assistance, counseling, child care, schools, etc. Data given with permission from the Resource and Disaster Management department October, 2011.
 * Westbrook, L. (2009). Crisis information concerns: Information needs of domestic violence survivors. //Information processing & management 45.1//, 98-114.**
 * HandsOn Central Ohio 195 North Grant Avenue Columbus, OH 43215, www.handsoncentralohio.org**