Building Dignity

Building Dignity explores design strategies for domestic violence emergency housing. Thoughtful design dignifies survivors by meeting their needs for self-determination, security, and connection. The ideas here reflect a commitment to creating welcoming, accessible environments that help to empower survivors and their children. Building dignity is the essence of advocacy.

Domestic violence victims and their families may spend between one week and three months in emergency shelters before moving to transitional or permanent housing. Most domestic violence programs offer safe emergency housing for victims in immediate danger from their abusers, and aim to empower survivors and help them reclaim a non-violent, stable family life.

Providing a facility that offers safety to multiple families with varied needs, while also supporting each individual’s healing process is extremely challenging. The Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence [WSCADV] has worked closely with domestic violence programs across Washington State to think creatively about how to manage the many aspects of their work. We are honoured to have the opportunity to think with our member programs and learn from their experiences. It allows us all to reach beyond the status quo and move more powerfully toward our aspirations for a world in which every relationship is determined by love and respect for each other’s and one’s own integrity.