Supportive services and emergency shelters for victims of domestic violence are essential to provide protection to victims from further abuse and physical harm. Research demonstrates that access to supportive services that increase a survivor's knowledge of safety planning and awareness of community resources leads to increased safety and well-being over time. Consequently, the model for providing services must incorporate all the following practices and minimum standards:

(1) Services provided to victims must include access to safety, advocacy, information about options, and referrals to helping resources.

(2) Services must use a survivor-centered and empowerment service model that:

(a) Promotes safety for all victims of intimate partner violence and their children;

(b) Is survivor-centered and treats victims with dignity and respect;

(c) Builds on the strengths and resources of individuals and families, respecting their autonomy and self-determination;

(d) Supports the relationship between victims and their children;

(e) Offers options and support for autonomous decision making that is based on the needs and circumstances of each victim and their family;

(f) Assists individuals and families in accessing protection and services that are respectful and inclusive of cultural and community characteristics;

(g) Ensures program accountability by involving victims in evaluating the services they receive from the domestic violence program; and

(h) Supports engagement and collaboration with other community agencies and systems for the purpose of developing a comprehensive response system for victims and their children.

(3) The program must refrain from engaging in activities that compromise the safety of victims or their children.

(4) The program must not provide services that blame the victim for the abuse or do not hold the abuser accountable for the violence. Such services are ineffective and will likely result in further harm to the victim, up to and including death.