Performance audit in women’s domestic violence shelters

Abstract

Purpose: This study evaluated the current context of women’s domestic violence (DV) shelters, and thereon, assessed whether principles of economy, efficiency, and effectiveness are factored in when maintaining resources. Design: For the research objectives to be addressed, a qualitative approach was adopted in this study through semi-structured interviews with officers operating in local DV shelters, performance auditors, and an academic. Findings: The findings showed that the DV shelters’ officers are utilising the public’s money wisely, with the best of their resources. Their efforts are partially seen in their attempts to increase economy, evident through the recruitment of appropriate employees and through the preliminary assessment of physical resources. However, while getting the right input, one must ensure that maximum output can be attained, which is facilitated through the utilisation of the care plan and communication between different DV entities, hence increasing synergy. However, funds are limited, and so is the output. The employees’ extensive efforts counter these problems, thus helping to achieve the set objectives. However, certain internal and external factors are disrupting the extent of effectiveness achieved by shelters. Conclusion: Through the gathered findings, it was possible to conclude that the DV shelters’ employees are making extensive efforts to help DV victims recover from trauma and reintegrate back into society. However, more must be done to utilise funds wiser. Implications/Value: Through the developed recommendations, the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, DV shelters, and DV entities can take this research as an opportunity to see the current context, and thereon, critically assess the recommendations given and put them in place. This would help to assist more DV victims, while obtaining more value from the public’s money.