A summary of the effects of domestic and sexual violence and the workplace, including who is affected and current litigation protecting survivors.

Domestic violence is widespread in the United States, affecting individuals of every racial, ethnicity, gender, age, and socioeconomic group. Studies indicate that one of the best predictors of whether a victim will separate from her abuser is the victim’s degree of economic independence. However, domestic and sexual violence can jeopardize a victim’s ability to keep a job. Female domestic and sexual violence victims are more likely than other women to be unemployed, and to suffer from health problems that can affect employability and job performance.