Income Influences Level of Protection From Domestic Violence

Income level can greatly impact the ability of victims to escape abuse

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The World Health Organization considers domestic violence to be a pervasive social problem in the United States (WHO, 2021). However, the impact of domestic violence is not evenly distributed, with marginalized communities, particularly those with a lower socioeconomic status, bearing a disproportionate burden of its consequences (Broussard & Joseph, 2009; Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence, 2013). “There is a distinct correlation between domestic violence and level of income” with researchers finding that “the lower the income, the higher the prevalence of domestic violence.” (Poverty, Domestic Violence, and the Covid19 Pandemic, 2020).

Family Resilience and Family Stress Theory offers a framework to understand how poverty can both exacerbate domestic violence and entrench victims in a cycle of abuse. While domestic violence happens across all income levels, the chronic stress and resource scarcity associated with poverty can heighten tensions within families, leading to an increased likelihood of violence (Patterson, 2002). However, while poverty is a risk factor for things such as domestic violence, having access to supports helps to fuel resilience and decrease the stress associated with this environment, making a better outcome for victims. Access to social, emotional, and financial supports can bolster family resilience, helping families manage and recover from the stressors associated with poverty (Patterson, 2002). The issue comes when those without the financial means are unable to access these essential supports. Not only are these victims more likely to be exposed to domestic violence, but they are also less likely to receive support in the aftermath of their experiences (Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence, 2013).

Intersection of Poverty and Domestic Violence

At its core, the cycle of domestic violence is upheld by systemic inequalities and power imbalances that benefit those in positions of privilege and authority. As poverty is a major contributor to systemic inequalities, and money can exacerbate any power and control already present, this creates a system that benefits those with financial means (SafeHouse Center, 2019). Thus, for those trapped in cycles of abuse and poverty, the decision to leave an abusive partner is not simply a matter of willpower but is fraught with economic obstacles.

Beyond the immediate physical and emotional hurdles, escaping domestic violence often entails navigating administrative burdens that disproportionately burden those already marginalized by socioeconomic factors (Herd et al., 2023). Financial constraints often mean that families cannot afford essential services such as health care, mental health counseling, or legal assistance, which are critical for addressing issues related to domestic violence (SPSP, 2023). The bureaucratic processes involved in accessing social services and financial assistance further compound these challenges, requiring extensive documentation and often lengthy wait times for approval. For individuals with limited literacy or English proficiency, navigating complex forms and procedures becomes even more daunting.

Additionally, those living in poverty may lack awareness of available resources or face barriers in navigating complex social service systems, they may lack essential needs such as transportation and financial support, and limited education and lower literacy levels can further impede their ability to seek help and understand the processes involved in accessing support (Herd et al., 2023). Even for those who can find the financial means for these services, accessing them might mean having to take time off from work, causing victims to lose income—or even lose their jobs (Herd et al., 2023; World Economic Forum, 2022).

The systemic nature of poverty means that individuals often have to prioritize immediate survival needs—such as food, shelter, and income—over long-term support solutions. This constant struggle for basic necessities leaves little time, energy, or resources to seek out and engage with supportive services. Consequently, this traps families in a vicious cycle of poverty and violence, making it exceedingly difficult for them to find pathways to stability and safety.

Lack of Access to Support

Legal obstacles are another major barrier for survivors seeking to break free from abusive relationships. Obtaining a restraining order or filing for divorce necessitates engaging with the legal system, which can be intimidating and confusing, particularly for those without legal representation. Often, victims simply can’t afford the legal support required to allow them to escape from, or protect themselves from, an abusive relationship. “From seeking counsel to relocating to a shelter away from their partner, these measures often require both a significant amount of time and also financial means” (World Economic Forum, 2022).

Moreover, the fear of retaliation from an abuser with money and power can deter survivors from pursuing legal recourse, further perpetuating their vulnerability and isolation. This creates a legal system that is much harder to navigate without higher financial means (Poverty, Domestic Violence, and the Covid19 Pandemic, 2020). This economic dependence can leave survivors feeling trapped in abusive relationships, unable to leave for fear of losing financial support or facing homelessness (World Economic Forum, 2022).

Research shows that victims who are able to access supportive services, including housing and access to legal support, following their abuse are more likely to escape from their abusive situation safely (SafeHouse Center, 2019). Yet, for the most vulnerable, often those in poverty, these supportive services are unattainable. Without this adequate support, the ability to cope with and navigate the traumas of domestic violence is significantly diminished. This is often why victims of domestic violence may find themselves trapped in abusive situations with few viable options for escape or recovery.

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This lack of support not only perpetuates the cycle of violence but also compounds the stress and trauma experienced by these families, making it even more challenging to break free from the grip of poverty and abuse. For many survivors, it can become easier to stay, which can trap survivors in a cycle of dependence and powerlessness.

Breaking the Cycle Involves Addressing Root Causes

Breaking this cycle involves recognizing that poverty and systemic oppression are major contributing factors to domestic and intimate partner violence (World Economic Forum, 2022). Communities of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities are disproportionately affected by both poverty and domestic violence, facing systemic barriers that limit their access to resources and support services.

To break this cycle, we must challenge the systems and institutions that prioritize profit over people's well-being and perpetuate the marginalization of survivors. This requires dismantling systems of power and privilege that perpetuate structural violence and creating pathways to economic justice and social equity for all individuals and families.