Domestic Violence and Poverty: Some Women's Experiences. (March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Slabbert, Ilze
• Other Names: Traube Dorian E. guest-editor.; Rice Eric guest-editor.
• Is Part Of: Research on social work practice. Volume 27:Number 2(2017:Mar.)
• Page Start: 223
• Page End: 230
• Publication Date: 2017-03
• Subjects: domestic violence -- poverty -- experiences -- qualitative -- themes; Social service -- Periodicals; 361.3205
• DOI: 10.1177/1049731516662321
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1049-7315

Abstract

Purpose: Domestic violence poses a major challenge to social workers. Low-income families are significantly more likely to have to contend with domestic violence, as poverty can act as a fuelling factor in this type of conflict. The objective of this study was to explore and describe the experiences of low-income abused women. Method: A qualitative research approach was followed to explore and describe the phenomenon of low-income abused women. Purposive and snowball sampling were used to obtain 20 participants. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. The data were categorized into four themes. Results: Domestic violence and poverty are issues that some women might experience. Low-income abused women are especially more vulnerable to domestic violence and poverty limits choices and resources. Conclusion: Domestic violence and poverty should be seen in a serious light. Social workers should recognise the complexity and correlation between domestic violence and poverty.