Facilitators and barriers of empowerment in family and domestic violence housing models: A systematic literature review

Objective: There is little research on housing options for Family and Domestic Violence (FDV) survivors in Australia. Many FDV housing models promote empowerment as an objective of their services, but without the necessary evidence base it is unknown which housing models best facilitate empowerment in FDV survivors. We conducted a systematic literature review in order to identify facilitators and barriers of empowerment within different FDV housing models around the world, with the aim of informing which FDV housing models might be effectively used in Australia. Method: Searches were conducted using PsychINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science for studies examining housing models that promoted empowerment as an aim or outcome for FDV survivors. Results: The search strategy identified 11 studies, which were primarily qualitative. Three themes emerged as facilitators of empowerment in FDV housing models: (a) respectful provision of services, (b) flexible rules, and (c) access to resources. Another three themes emerged as barriers to empowerment in FDV housing models: (a) cultural insensitivity, (b) social isolation, and (c) inconsistent rule enforcement. Conclusions: This review provided some preliminary evidence that the culture within housing models facilitated empowerment in FDV survivors, more so than logistical characteristics of the housing models. This review can be used to inform ideal practice for Australian FDV housing models so that empowerment can be facilitated in survivors.