NCJ Number
178952
Journal
AFFILIA: Journal of Women and Social Work Volume: 14 Issue: 2 Dated: Summer 1999 Pages: 199-216
Date Published
1999
Length
18 pages
Annotation
Data from a survey of 404 female recipients of Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) in Missouri formed the basis of an analysis of the prevalence of domestic assault in this population, as well as other problems related to their partners and families.
Abstract
The survey instrument consisted of 79 items formulated after the authors analyzed data from a focus group of AFDC recipients and reviewed similar instruments. The survey was distributed in three offices of the Missouri Department of Social Services, Division of Family Services, in urban Kansas City and suburban Independence in the summer of 1996. The participants had an average age of 28 years and ranged in age from 14 to 61 years. Almost one-third of the women had been abused at some time in their lives; 10 percent had been abused in the past year. The white participants reported more problems with their partners and family members than did the black participants. The women stated that abuse or lack of support reduced their ability to work, but not as often as did lack of child care and transportation. Thus, domestic violence may affect the ability of low-income women to complete educational and job development programs, enter the workforce, and retain jobs. Previous research has suggested that women should be screened for domestic violence and referred to appropriate services to address these needs. Additional research is needed to assess further the relationship between domestic violence and women's performance in job training and educational programs. Table, figure, and 40 references (Author abstract modified)