Not all victims and survivors of intimate partner violence are living in poverty but many do. Economic pressure when there is already violence in the home makes it worse-but not having a job or living in poverty does not CAUSE domestic violence/intimate partner violence.
The picture of women, domestic violence & poverty:
- Majority of people living in poverty are women
- Rates of poverty higher for women than men. Gender gap wider in U.S. than anywhere in the Western World
- 90% adult victims of DV are women
- 1 in 4 women experience IPV/DV in their lifetime
- 1 in 8 adult women experienced physical violence at hands of intimate partner in last 12 months in Oregon.
- 50% of batterers also batter their children.
- 100% of children living in homes where DV is present have psychological impact.
Effects of Poverty/Poor Economy on DV and DV Victims
- Approx 80% of people requesting assistance from DHS Self Sufficiency list history of DV
- 200%+ increase in request for services @ BPA since 2002
- Significant spike in requests last quarter 08/first 09
Poverty is aggravating factor in dynamics of DV
- Increased lethality
- Increased complexity
- Reduced options & Resources
- Reduced civil options
- Reduced housing/basic need options
