This research report focuses on the link between domestic and sexual violence, women’s poverty, and welfare. Many victims of interpersonal violence depend on welfare to escape violent partners. The report finds that few survivors feel comfortable addressing these issues with their welfare caseworkers, and suggests legislative remedies for the Temporary Assistance to Need Families (TANF) program.

The report also outlines concerns regarding government marriage promotion policies. Many of the low income mothers who are the principal targets of government marriage promotion efforts are domestic violence victims. There is the risk that marriage promotion may unintentionally encourage victims to marry or to stay married to their abusers.