Battering, Traumatic Stress, and Welfare-to-Work Transition

Abstract

Battering and its consequences may thwart welfare recipients' transition from welfare to work, complicating welfare reform. This research examined battering and traumatic stress in the lives of 122 enrollees in a short-term job readiness program. Nearly half reported violence or serious injury in their current or most recent intimate relationship. One third reported traumatic stress symptoms. The data help assess the relative importance of potential barriers to welfare-to-work transition, including character and human capital deficits, gendered caring responsibilities, and battering and its consequences. Feminist accounts that include battering explain program participation outcomes better than accounts that focus only on deficits.