Domestic Violence and Employment
by Kelly M. Glenn
Given the effects of financial abuse and oppression that some domestic violence abusers inflict on their victims, it’s no surprise that employment helps victims of intimate partner violence. In a qualitative study that included the in-depth questioning of 21 working women, researchers found that employment helps victims of intimate partner violence in six major ways:
Employment improves finances. Whether earning money to contribute to conjoined budgets and expenses or earning money to become financially independent from an abuser, employment for the victim can relieve financial stressors in the relationship and/or improve the victim’s own finances, thus increasing the victim’s chances of becoming financially empowered enough to leave the abusive relationship.
Promoting physical safety. Victims who work are removed from the home where abuse can take place behind closed doors. Leaving the home, even if for eight hours a day, gives that victim a safe space for that time period; although, it should be noted that between 2003 and 2008, 142 women were killed by intimate partners either in the parking lot or in a public building while the victim was at her workplace.2
Increasing self-esteem. Victims who work may feel a sense of self-worth that is not reinforced in the home or by their intimate partner, especially when they work in a supportive and encouraging workplace.
Improving social connectedness. In the workplace, victims get to connect with co-workers and customers, giving them a sense of social belonging. Something as simple as “watercooler chat” or even having lunch with a group of peers can be uplifting.
Providing mental respite. Although work can add stressors, those stressors are different from the mental “wear and tear” that emotional abuse and the fear of physical abuse can place on a victim in the home. At work, the victim does not have to be anxious about when the next fight will occur.
Providing motivation.1 The emotional abuse experienced in the home or with an abusive intimate partner can take its toll on the victim, making them feel as if they lack value. Working can give the victim a sense of purpose and a reason to keep moving toward independence.
In addition to the ways in which employment can help a domestic violence victim, there are also ways an employer can help. Click here for more information.
Sources
1Rothman, E. F., Hathaway, J., Stidsen, A., & de Vries, H. F. (2007). How employment helps female victims of intimate partner violence: A qualitative study. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 12(2), 136–143. https://doi.org/10.1037/1076-8998.12.2.136
2Tiesman, H.M., Gurka, K.K., Konda, S., Coben, J.H., & Amandus, H.E. (2012). Workplace Homicides Among U.S. Women: The Role of Intimate Partner Violence. Annals of Epidemiology, Volume 22, Issue 4, Pages 277-284. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1047279712000245
Suggested Citation for this Article
Glenn, K.M., Criminal Justice Know How, LLC, October 2020, Domestic Violence and Employment. https://criminaljusticeknowhow.com/domestic-violence-and-employment/.
