Dilemmas in working with women who have complex needs 

July 2004 

The study was restricted to women from bikie gangs, cults and those who use sex for favours.

In the process of providing accommodation, safety and well being for these women, staff are confronted with making complex decisions about how best to assist them. Many women supported by Western Domestic Violence Service (WDVS) are involved in high-risk behaviours and/or situations that create serious risk of harm to themselves, their children and staff.


Table of contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Women: bikie gangs, cults and sex for favours
  3. Problem solving complex issues
  4. Model: The decision-making tree
  5. Methodology
  6. Ethical issues/dilemmas
  7. Summary, policy issues and recommendations

Acknowledgements

This project was made possible through the funding of the SAAP Co-ordination and Development Committee. We would also like to thank the staff at Domestic Western Violence Service for their participation in this project. 

Professor Lesley Cooper
School of Social Administration and Social Work
Faculty of Social Sciences
Flinders University

© 2004 Australian Government, Department of Family and Community Services All rights reserved. 

This work may be reproduced for non-commercial study, training, policy or curricula development activities, with acknowledgement of the source. Other reproduction requires the author's written permission.  

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this report are not necessarily those of the Australian Government. Acknowledgements This project was made possible through the funding of the SAAP Co-ordination and Development Committee. We would also like to thank the staff at Domestic Western Violence Service for their participation in this project.


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