Domestic Violence Prevalence and Effects on Employment in Two California TANF Populations

Random samples of Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) recipients eligible for welfare-to-work activities (N = 632) were surveyed in two California counties for 3 consecutive years, starting in 1999. Overall, 54% of women interviewed at all three rounds met the criteria for an estimated need for domestic violence services at some point during the 3 years, but only 8% met the criteria in all 3 years. Estimated need for services and posttraumatic stress resulting from abuse were negatively associated with working at least 32 hours a week at the time of the interviews. Estimated need for services was associated with working fewer weeks in a year, having a lower wage income, and losing jobs during the year. Approximately half the women with estimated service needs had sought help from police, courts, a domestic violence agency, a counselor, or a physician.