Intimate Partner Violence by Unknown

Author:Unknown
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9783030558642
Publisher: Springer International Publishing

Rahn Kennedy Bailey

Email: [email protected]

Keywords

Financial freedomIntimate partner violenceEconomic empowermentEqual payGender roles

In modern times, more women are in the workforce and contribute significantly to the household income. Does their financial independence have any influence on intimate partner violence (IPV)? In this chapter, we will explore if a woman’s financial independence is protective. Indeed, it stands to reason, that one of the elements of coercive control employed by abusive partners (financial control), is eliminated. With separation, a victim of IPV who is financially independent would likely be able to support themselves and acquire housing, transportation, and other necessities. If a woman is more financially successful than her male partner, is he less likely to perpetrate abuse? Is the male partner cognizant of all her options and is she granted leverage over him? Perhaps a male partner may feel as though he doesn’t have control or financial leverage and may resort to violence to gain “control” in a relationship.

Is there a relationship between IPV and money? Certainly financial dependence may restrict a victim’s ability to leave an abusive relationship. Conversely, an abuser is often empowered by a victim’s financial dependence. The autonomy of a victim is restricted when their abuser controls money within the relationship [1]. Financial instability has been thought to be the greatest reason why an abused woman returns to her abuser [1]. Thus, it becomes exceedingly important to understand that financial dependence is a tether that keeps a victim inexorably tied to their abuser. Law enforcement, family, and friends may indeed be successful in separating a victim from their abuser. However, if care is not taken to address the victim’s needs of food, housing, healthcare, childcare, and transportation, an abuser may still maintain the power to control and potentially abuse [1]. Sadly, this factor may lead a victim to accept reconciliation with her former abuser.

In 1900, the wage of a working married woman was less than that of a working child. And so it was young unmarried women and girls who were more likely to work during this time. Moreover, their earnings went to their parents [1].

However, black married women did work during this time (the 1900s). Their wages were low (equivalent to white children). This did not grant them financial equality in the home. Often there could be resentment from their husbands [1].

As women gained more education in the 1900s, they were directed into “feminine” jobs (nursing, librarian, and teacher). Even in the early 1900s, women had no claim to the wages they made. If married, her husband could claim her wages. In the 1940s college was becoming accessible – usually for middle-class and above women. Women’s presence in the workforce was more prevalent after the 1950s with more women continuing to work after marriage. Only 18% of working women earned more than their working husbands in 1987 [1].

Socially, society’s perspective is still “a woman should or will find a man to support her,” and this may allow women to settle into situations where they are more likely to be financially dependent and so more easily coerced [1].

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