Domestic Violence, Character, And Social Change In The Welfare Reform Debate

Abstract

This article addresses the recently discovered connection between domestic violence and welfare dependency.“ Empirical research among welfare populations shows that over 50% of women receiving welfare are or have recently been battered, and that partner abuse is a major reason for the continuing poverty of many women. The question the author asks and begins to answer is why this connection has not previously been identified or publicized by either the battered women’s movement or the anti‐poverty movement, and what the challenge may be to both movements as they attempt to address it in the context of welfare reform. The author argues that the connection has not been previously addressed because of the somewhat conflicting ideologies underlying both movements. The battered women’s movement is defined in part by its strong moral denunciation of male abusers and assertion of the victimization of women by men. The anti‐poverty movement is reluctant to demonize half of the poor population, particularly in light of the conservative welfare reformers’ emphasis on ”character“ as the main cause of poverty. The article argues that we must – and can – find a way to synthesize the feminist emphasis on interpersonal justice and morality with the anti‐poverty movement’s recognition of the larger social causes of poverty. The perspectives of both movements must be enlarged to recognize the multiple layers of victimization which poor women and men endure; and both movements will be revitalized by this cross‐fertilization.

A Review of Research on Welfare and Domestic Violence

“…It is thus vital for domestic-violence experts to team with welfare researchers to study domestic violence (Riger et al, 1998). The integration of the two previously separate fields, welfare and domestic violence, is more important than ever (Meier, 1997). Continued collaboration among those in the field (e.g., welfare caseworkers and advocates for domestic-violence victims), researchers, and policymakers also is important in shaping programs and policies that will lead to economic self-sufficiency and safety for domesticviolence survivors.…”

The Impact of Welfare Reform on Men's Violence against Women

“…Advocates of battered women argue that welfare helps women escape violent relationships; consequently, restricting access to public aid may add to the difficulties of leaving abusers (e.g., Brandwein, 1997). New child support enforcement provisions that pressure men to acknowledge paternity may provoke them to retaliate against the mothers of their children (Meier, 1997). In addition, many abusive partners do not want women to become independent and will sabotage their employment or participation in job training programs (Raphael, 1996).…”

Domestic Violence Among the Black Poor: Intersectionality and Social Justice

“…During the last quarter of the 20 th century, many forces converged to promote the interdisciplinary field of domestic violence and the issue of women's safety in their own homes (American Psychological Association [APA] 1994; Association of Trial Lawyers of America 1993; Bondi and Burman 2001;Cazenave and Straus 1979;Crenshaw 1996;Hampton and Gelles 1994;Lawson 2003;Meier 1997;Petersen et al 2001;Richie and Kanisha 1993;Rockett 1998;Williams 1994).…”