For victims of domestic abuse, finding a safe haven remains a difficult challenge.

Shelly David, a domestic violence legal advocate for the City of Auburn, knows as much.

Auburn, Kent and other South King County communities struggle to meet the needs of those caught in the throes of domestic violence.

Are there enough shelters and services to help victims?

“No, there’s not,” David said. “The thing I come across is I need something right now (to house a DV victim) … and nothing right now is open. It’s just the reality.”

A recent National Network to End Domestic Violence survey revealed that on one single day, 1,080 victims of domestic violence were in emergency or transitional housing provided by a domestic violence program in the state. On that same day, the number was 36,332 for victims across the country.

The study reported that safe housing was the service most requested by victims calling these programs.

To address the situation, community advocates and architects are working together to identify how emergency shelters can be designed to best meet the needs of victims and their children. The Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV) and architects at Mahlum – a Pacific Northwest architecture firm – recently launched Building Dignity: Design Strategies for Domestic Violence Shelter.

The idea is to improve shelter spaces, with strategies ranging from how to redecorate an existing space to building a shelter from the ground up.

“It is critical for domestic violence shelters to provide residents with physical safety,” said Margaret Hobart, WSCADV staff lead on the project. “But that is only one component of healing from abuse. Domestic violence programs also support survivors in reclaiming their independence, focusing on their relationships with their children, and reconnecting with supports to end isolation imposed by the abuser.”

Mahlum – a participant in a program that connects nonprofits with architecture firms willing to do pro bono work – donated its time to join WSCADV’s efforts. They examined information from interviews and focus groups with shelter residents of all ages and identified the design implications and strategies.Key details that emerged were around the need for security, privacy and quiet spaces where survivors can heal and parents can connect with their children.

The design strategies developed have relevance for domestic violence programs across the country.

“We hope this effort helps domestic violence programs in their ongoing efforts to create spaces that best support their agency’s work, values and mission,” said Nan Stoops, executive director of WSCADV.

Without reliable funding sources – whether public or private – such solutions are based on collaborations. This is one way to move ahead.

Many shelters are full today. More options are needed. In King County, there are four shelters in confidential locations to serve battered women. There is only one shelter that primarily serves battered women and their children in a non-confidential but secure location.

“It’s a great idea because (DV victims) are just being put in places that are already established, and sometimes that’s not the safest place to be,” David said.

South King County-based DAWN (Domestic Abuse Women’s Network) also likes the idea. The agency provides shelter, legal services and counseling for DV victims.

Cheryl Bozarth, DAWN executive director, appreciates the new approach.

The demand for shelter and services, she said, remains great, adding, “We have look at collaboration (for solutions).”