The Effect of Battering on the Employment Status of Women

Seventy-one battered women were surveyed to explore the effect of battering on their employment status. Although the majority of the women were working, their work performance was seriously affected by the physical abuse, which resulted in their absenteeism. Furthermore, they had been harassed by their abusers at work. Many women also reported that their abusive partners had interfered either with their attending school or with their obtaining work. Social workers are encouraged to consider abuse-related employment difficulties in the provision of services to women.