Shelter Use by Domestic Violence Victims: Systems Theory
This paper explores shelter service utilization among domestic violence victims through the lens of systems theory (also called the ecological model). Drawing on Clevenger and Roe-Sepowitz's (2009) study of 283 domestic violence case files from Tempe, Arizona, the paper examines why only approximately one in four victims chooses to use available shelter resources. Key factors influencing shelter use — including the presence of children at home, location of the crisis call, and physical injury — are analyzed within the framework of open and closed social systems. The paper also reflects on how the concept of system boundaries helps explain why some victims remain in abusive situations rather than seek outside help.
- Overview of Systems Theory and the Ecological Model: Defines open and closed systems and boundary concepts
- Systems Theory in the Context of Domestic Violence Shelters: Links systems theory to shelter use research
- Study Findings: Factors Influencing Shelter Utilization: Children, injury, and call location predict shelter use
- Study Limitations: Small shelter sample and missing data concerns
- Reflections on Systems Theory and Shelter Decision-Making: Personal learning about closed systems and victim behavior
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What makes this paper effective
- It grounds an empirical research summary in a clearly explained theoretical framework, showing how systems theory directly informs interpretation of the study's findings.
- The paper moves logically from abstract theory to concrete study data to personal reflection, giving each section a distinct purpose.
- It honestly acknowledges study limitations — sample size and missing rationale data — demonstrating critical reading of the source material.
Key academic technique demonstrated
This paper demonstrates theory application: taking an abstract conceptual framework (systems theory / the ecological model) and using it as an interpretive lens on specific empirical findings. Rather than summarizing the study in isolation, the writer consistently returns to open/closed system concepts to explain why the data patterns make sense, connecting theory to evidence throughout.
Structure breakdown
The paper opens with a theoretical introduction to systems theory and its key concepts (open vs. closed systems, boundaries, resource flow). It then connects the theory to the assigned reading by summarizing Clevenger and Roe-Sepowitz's (2009) study design and findings. A dedicated section addresses study limitations, followed by a reflective conclusion in which the writer articulates what was newly learned and how it updates prior understanding of the theory.
Overview of Systems Theory and the Ecological Model
Shelters have proven to be useful for women who have been domestically abused and for their children in numerous capacities. Yet research has found that only approximately one out of four women uses them. The question, then, is why some women choose to use shelters while others do not — even when failing to do so leaves them at risk of further harm. The ecological model (or systems theory) is used to understand this conundrum.
Systems theory posits that people operate within a system of interacting spheres that affect one another. These spheres operate at the individual, family, and societal levels. They also have their own boundaries, which impact how open or closed they are and influence the individual's behavior.
An open system means that individuals have extended contact with people and organizations in the outside world through the resources within their own system. A closed system, however, represents the reverse. When the system — whether open or closed — has adequate resources and there is open communication between the individual and the system, the individual's needs are met. However, when the individual's behavior deviates from that of the system, or when the system has inadequate resources, significant challenges arise for the individual.
Reference
Clevenger, B. J. M., & Roe-Sepowitz, D. (2009). Shelter service utilization of domestic violence victims. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 19, 359–374.
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