Web resource:	http://new.vawnet.org/Assoc_Files_VAWnet/AR_EconomicStress.pdf
Type:	Journal Article
Title:	Economic stress and domestic violence
Authors:	Larkin, Vivian M Renzetti, Claire M
Keywords:	Welfare;Informal responses;Policy;Training
Year:	2009
Publisher:	National Online Resource Center on Domestic Violence
Notes:	"Applied Research Forum" General overview:/> In the wake of the 2007-2008 global financial crisis, this article from the United States (US) analyses the current literature on domestic violence and economic hardship. It reconsiders the complexities of the reciprocal relationship between violence and financial stress. Discussion:/> Renzetti and Larkin chart the complex relationship between domestic violence and economic circumstances. Whilst the authors argue that all women, irrespective of economic circumstances, may experience domestic violence, they suggest a strong association between increased economic hardship and increased domestic violence. Yet, this relationship is reciprocal, domestic violence may cause financial problems for survivors of domestic violence, even after leaving the relationship. The dynamic between employment and domestic violence is also complex. Employment can provide financial resources, as well as emotional resilience for women. However, there are some findings that suggest that employment exacerbates domestic violence. In addition, survivors report difficulties gaining and maintaining employment. These include physical and psychological health issues as well as issues of access to childcare and a supportive, understanding workplace. The authors recommend that further research into domestic violence and employment be undertaken. The authors argue that when women leave domestically violent relationships, they turn to their family and friends. In times of economic stress and disadvantage the ability of these support networks to provide material support for those who have experienced domestic violence decreases. Therefore, as the recession has worsened in the US, there has been an increasing demand for welfare and structural support services. Yet the US welfare system is unsupportive of domestic violence survivors. The authors suggest universal screening for domestic violence for clients seeking welfare assistance, along with training for those working in the welfare sector would improve this. The authors suggest that employers must also be trained in order to assist their employees who are experiencing violence. Finally, the authors recommend that the needs of those who have experienced violence be prioritised and argue that practical, material support are what survivors find most helpful in the first instance.
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/14492
Physical description:	14 p.
Appears in Collections:	Journal Articles

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