Shelter Discussion

I recently posted a link to information on a Domestic Violence Shelteree AMA that is being hosted in the near future by r/TwoXChromosomes. I noticed that my only two comments on that post were from people who were turned away by these sorts of shelters because their abuser was a parent and not a domestic partner.

I was surprised by this. So, I thought I'd ask the greater community - how many of us has this happened to? What are your stories about seeking help from "women's"/domestic violence/etc. shelters, successful or no? Any advice for those considering turning to these places for help and/or emergency shelter? Is it better to avoid them?