Domestic Violence in the Lives of Women Receiving Welfare

Using data from a random sample of women from the welfare caseload in an urban Michigan county, the authors investigate the prevalence of domestic violence and its association with mental health, health, and economic well-being. Nearly a quarter of the women experienced physical partner violence in the past 12 months, and almost two thirds in their lifetimes. Recent victims had significantly higher rates of five psychiatric disorders (depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, drug dependence, and alcohol dependence) and health problems than women who never experienced domestic violence. Recent partner violence was also associated with greater material hardship. Analyses did not indicate any significant association between domestic violence, past or present, and employment.