Cycles within cycles: domestic violence, welfare, and low-wage work

Presents the methodology and results of a qualitative US study aimed at demonstrating the intersection between domestic violence, welfare dependency and low-wage work. Key themes emerging from the in-depth interviews included a lack of court-ordered child support and/or childcare services, and emotional/physical abuse and its capacity to interfere with women's ability to work. Individual women's stories are used to illustrate the 'dynamic of cycling', whereby victims of abuse cycle back and forth between abusive partners, low paying jobs and welfare benefits. Directions for future research and welfare/service reform are suggested.