ANROWS research project RP.14.16 - Building effective policies and services to promote women's economic security following domestic and family violence.

Economic security is central to the capacity of women to transition from violent relationships, and to achieve wellbeing following domestic and family violence. Poor economic wellbeing also has adverse national impact and costs, including income support payments and lost productivity. Combining rigorous quantitative and qualitative methodologies and an employment-focused research-to-practice partnership, this research will build new evidence about the economic dimensions of domestic and family violence; women's economic circumstances and financial needs following violence; the impact of the income support, employment services, and financial support systems; and international best practice in building women's economic security following violence.

A key contribution will be analysis of women's economic pathways following violence, including their experiences of financial wellbeing and stress, and their use of various services and supports. Through interviews with practitioners and sector leaders, the project will assess the efficacy and impact of income support, employment services, and other services and supports for promoting economic security, and will identify ways services can better work together to improve job search outcomes and employment retention following domestic violence. Results will improve the targeting, timing, adequacy and co-ordination of services and supports to promote women's economic wellbeing.

This project will provide evidence about the economic dimensions of domestic and family violence and how systems and services can best support the financial security of women who have experienced this violence.

Suggested citation:
Cortis, N., & Bullen, J. (2016). Domestic violence and women’s economic security: Building Australia’s capacity for prevention and redress: Final report (ANROWS Horizons, 05/2016). Sydney: ANROWS.