The main factor that keeps an attacker in control of and in a position of power over a victim of domestic violence is poverty. According to studies and practical experience, victims of domestic violence are more likely to avoid additional abuse if they have the means to leave a relationship safely, find safe, inexpensive accommodation, and provide for themselves and their children. A low or negligible amount of income people who are experiencing domestic violence, especially if they have children, rarely have the means to escape the abuse.

What are the reasons behind women in poverty?

Greater rates of poverty among women, especially women of color, than among men are caused by the effects of sexism and racism on institutional structures and throughout society. These effects also limit the employment opportunities for women, the availability of caregiving support, access to public social assistance programs, and other things. The reasons are listed below:

• The gender wage gap

• The gender wealth gap

• Occupational segregation into low-paying jobs

• Lack of supportive work-family policies to manage work and caregiving

• Domestic violence

• The inadequate and inaccessible public supports

What is domestic violence?

Domestic abuse is an underreported and misunderstood crime. Domestic violence refers to a pattern of coercive behavior used to dominate intimate partners. In addition to threats and acts of physical and sexual violence, it also includes financial, emotional, and psychological abuse, as well as the abuser's use of any privileges they may have in order to maintain control and authority.

What is the relationship between domestic violence and poverty?

The lack of affordable housing and restricted access to legal aid, among other things, may add to the poverty of women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, according to research. The most important variables include employment barriers. Due to these obstacles, many domestic violence victims might not be able to leave welfare in the allotted time allowed by the most recent welfare reform. These obstacles include:

• Domestic violence's psychological aftereffects, such as PTSD, sadness, or anxiety

• Sabotage committed by the abuser (such as damaging homework, breaking cars and alarms, interfering with childcare efforts, or harassing coworkers);

• The abuser's manipulation, such as inflicting scars or bruises that prohibit the victim from going to work or an interview or eroding her confidence

Eradication of Poverty and Domestic Violence

The world community has to understand what causes violence against women in order to put an end to it. And poverty, though sometimes disregarded, is a significant factor. There are few choices available to low-income women and girls for escaping domestic or intimate partner violence. They frequently lack the financial or social means necessary to end an abusive relationship. These actions frequently call for a major investment of time and money, from seeing a lawyer to moving to a refuge far from their partner. The cycle of poverty and vulnerability to violence is furthered when women with limited resources decide to devote time to taking these self-protective actions after experiencing abuse. They may miss work and lose their source of income in the process.

Steps to be taken to protect victims of poverty and domestic violence

Gender Equality

In order to help women escape poverty, civil society organizations must advocate for both sufficient treatment and increased participation of women in the formulation of egalitarian and protection policies. Nonprofit organizations support decision-makers by identifying communities that experience environmental injustice and the women who represent those communities. International non-governmental organizations can also assist by organizing a unique event that enables women from underprivileged and dangerous backgrounds the chance to speak out against global inaction on political issues.

Increasing opportunities for victims of domestic violence

To overcome such social-political obstacles, consider using personalized job search support. Together with local authorities, civil society organizations can help victims confirm whatever credentials they may possess, offer interview coaching, and contextualize current job opportunities.

Paid domestic abuse leave should be incorporated into the labor market as an additional measure to shield working women from the vicious cycle of poverty and violence. When faced with domestic violence, working women frequently have to decide whether to risk their jobs and salaries or flee. Low-income women can benefit greatly from paid family and domestic violence leave programs, which allow people to take a few days off work each year if they experience domestic violence. They can use the time to seek out local women's organizations and legal counsel, as well as to receive medical attention.

Access to Legal Advice

The exorbitant cost of legal representation is one of the main challenges low-income women in abusive relationships must overcome. In order to solve this problem, civil society organizations should work together with current domestic abuse response hotlines to offer low-cost legal options to impoverished women. To make it simpler for low-income women to get the help they need, pro bono legal service providers must be connected to the national domestic abuse reporting system.

Broadening and preserving Medicaid coverage

In addition to preventing and eliminating unfair work requirements that exclude women with caring obligations and women whose low-wage occupations with variable hours may not fulfill work requirement standards, lawmakers must protect Medicaid against attempts to limit eligibility. They should also consider pregnant women who are the victims and are poverty-stricken.

Policy responses must address the numerous ways that structural and social racism and sexism disproportionately burden women, lower their salaries, and restrict their possibilities. This entails enhancing crucial public assistance programs, dealing with workplace inequalities, securing work-family benefits, and enhancing accessibility to life-saving resources. The needs of women of color, who are more vulnerable to poverty as a result of the combined effects of racial and gender discrimination, must be prioritized in these strong solutions. Women do not necessarily experience poverty, and only deliberate efforts to increase opportunities and resources for all women will guarantee long-term financial stability for women and their families.