Economic abuse dynamics and housing insecurity among mothers of young children: A mixed methods study

Economic abuse is a distinct form of intimate partner violence. This study explored the links between economic abuse, housing insecurity, and homelessness for mothers of young children. We used a sequential explanatory mixed methods design that included quantitative analysis of survey data collected from 195 mothers enrolled in home visiting programs in one Midwestern state, followed by qualitative analysis of in‐depth interviews with 33 mothers who reported experiencing economic abuse in the past year. Quantitative findings revealed that experiences of economic abuse were associated with specific housing insecurity concerns, and economic abuse predicted total housing insecurity problems and likelihood of homelessness. Qualitative findings aligned with and deepened the quantitative results and revealed four themes including economic abuse contributing to poor quality housing, persistent precarious housing, gendered challenges of doubling up, and cumulative insecurity resulting in homelessness. Together, these findings underscore the inclusion of economic abuse in practices and policies to reduce housing insecurity and improve housing security, particularly for mothers of young children. These findings also inform practice directions for home visiting programs and additional supports for parents of young children.