The Role of Economic Dependency in Domestic Violence
After more than 20 years of working in the trauma field as a counsellor and social worker, I’ve witnessed the devastating impact that domestic violence (DV) has on women’s lives. One of the most challenging aspects I’ve encountered is how deeply economic dependency traps women in abusive relationships. It’s a brutal reality that too often goes unspoken—when a woman is financially dependent on her abuser, her ability to escape is severely compromised. This article dives into the critical role that economic dependency plays in domestic violence, the various forms of family and domestic violence (FDV), and the feminist solutions we need to advocate for to break this cycle.
Economic Dependency as a Tool of Control
In my work, I’ve seen economic dependency used as a weapon of control time and time again. When a woman depends on her partner for financial support, her autonomy is severely restricted. Abusers often exploit this dependency, using economic abuse to maintain their grip on power. This can take many forms—controlling access to money, sabotaging employment opportunities, or accumulating debt in her name. Economic abuse is not just about limiting resources; it’s about stripping away a woman’s sense of security and self-worth (Postmus et al., 2018).
The reality is, when a woman is economically dependent, leaving an abusive relationship becomes an almost insurmountable challenge. She may fear losing her home, her ability to care for her children, and even her access to basic necessities. These fears are compounded by societal stigmas that often punish rather than support women who leave. A study by Adams et al. (2020) reveals that economic abuse is closely linked with other forms of violence, reinforcing the cycle of abuse and making it harder for women to break free.
Understanding the Many Forms of Family and Domestic Violence (FDV)
Family and domestic violence is not just about physical abuse—it’s a multifaceted issue that includes emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse. Over the years, I’ve encountered survivors who have endured various forms of FDV, each leaving deep and lasting scars.
Physical Abuse: This is the most visible form of FDV and includes hitting, slapping, choking, and other forms of physical harm. It’s often accompanied by threats of further violence, which serves to control and instill fear.
Emotional and Psychological Abuse: This type of abuse involves manipulative tactics that undermine a woman’s sense of self and reality. It includes verbal abuse, humiliation, isolation from friends and family, and mind games that make the victim doubt her own perceptions and feelings.
Sexual Abuse: Sexual violence within relationships is a pervasive and often underreported form of FDV. It includes rape, coercion, and any sexual activity that is forced or non-consensual. This form of abuse not only violates the victim’s body but also her autonomy and dignity.
Economic Abuse: As mentioned, this involves controlling a woman’s access to financial resources, preventing her from working, or using her finances as a means to control and manipulate her. Economic abuse ensures that the victim remains trapped, dependent, and powerless.
Coercive Control: This is a pattern of behavior designed to dominate and control every aspect of a woman’s life. It’s often a combination of emotional, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse, creating a pervasive atmosphere of fear and dependence.
These different forms of FDV often occur simultaneously, reinforcing each other and making it harder for the victim to escape. Understanding the full scope of FDV is crucial in addressing the needs of survivors and providing them with the support they need to regain control over their lives.
Domestic Violence: A Gendered Crime
While domestic violence occurs across all genders and can affect people in queer relationships, it is important to recognize that DV is overwhelmingly a gendered crime. The evidence clearly demonstrates that the majority of domestic violence is perpetrated by men against women. This gendered nature of DV is rooted in patriarchal power structures that perpetuate male dominance and control over women. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly one in three women globally has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner, underscoring the gendered nature of this violence (WHO, 2021). While it is crucial to support all survivors of DV, including men and those in LGBTQIA+ relationships, the gendered dynamics of DV must be acknowledged and addressed as a core issue in combating this violence.
The Intersection of Gender, Poverty, and Domestic Violence
Economic dependency cannot be separated from the broader context of gender inequality. Women, particularly those from marginalized communities, face systemic barriers that limit their financial independence. The gender pay gap, unequal access to education and employment, and the undervaluing of unpaid care work are all factors that contribute to women’s economic dependency on men (Brush, 2019).
In my practice, I’ve seen how poverty exacerbates the risk of domestic violence. Breaking this cycle requires not only addressing the immediate needs of survivors but also tackling the structural inequalities that keep women financially dependent on their abusers.
Economic Dependency During a Cost of Living Crisis
The issue of economic dependency becomes even more pronounced during a cost of living crisis. As the cost of essentials such as housing, food, and utilities rises, women who are already financially dependent on their partners find themselves in an even more precarious situation. The fear of homelessness, hunger, and inability to provide for their children can keep women trapped in abusive relationships. Economic pressures can also exacerbate tensions in relationships, leading to an increase in domestic violence incidents. During these times, it’s more critical than ever to ensure that women have access to financial support, safe housing, and employment opportunities that enable them to leave abusive partners and build independent lives.
Challenging Economic Dependency Through Feminist Solutions
Breaking the cycle of economic dependency and domestic violence requires a multifaceted, feminist approach. We must focus on economic empowerment for women, ensuring they have the financial resources and support needed to leave abusive relationships and rebuild their lives.
Economic Justice Programmes: In my experience, programmes that provide financial literacy, job training, and employment support are game-changers for survivors of DV. These initiatives help women gain financial independence, boosting their confidence and giving them the tools they need to escape abusive situations. Research by Stylianou et al. (2019) supports this, showing that economic empowerment significantly reduces the likelihood of women returning to abusive partners.
Policy Changes: Addressing economic dependency also requires systemic change. We need policies that close the gender pay gap, provide affordable childcare, and ensure access to affordable housing and healthcare for women who leave abusive partners. These measures are essential in creating an environment where women can thrive independently of their abusers.
Valuing Unpaid Care Work: One of the biggest challenges in reducing economic dependency is the undervaluing of unpaid care work. Feminist economists have long argued that the work women do in the home—caring for children, the elderly, and managing households—should be recognized and compensated (Elson, 2017). Policies such as paid family leave and universal basic income can help reduce the economic burden on women, giving them greater financial autonomy.
Engaging Men and Redefining Masculinity
As much as we focus on empowering women, we cannot ignore the role of men in perpetuating economic dependency and domestic violence. In my work, I’ve seen how deeply ingrained notions of toxic masculinity contribute to the control and abuse of women. Men must be part of the solution, which means challenging traditional gender roles and promoting healthy, equitable relationships.
Engaging Men in Prevention: Programmes that engage men and boys in discussions about healthy relationships, consent, and gender equality are crucial. By challenging toxic masculinity and promoting positive models of manhood, we can shift societal norms that perpetuate economic dependency and domestic violence (Flood, 2019).
Sharing Domestic Responsibilities: Encouraging men to take on an equal share of domestic responsibilities is also key. When men support their partner’s career aspirations and share the burden of unpaid care work, it reduces the power imbalance in relationships and helps prevent economic dependency.
Conclusion
Economic dependency is a powerful tool of control in the context of domestic violence. It traps women in abusive relationships and limits their ability to escape. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive, feminist approach that includes economic empowerment, policy changes, and challenging gendered power dynamics. By tackling the root causes of economic dependency and promoting financial independence for women, we can take meaningful steps towards ending domestic violence and creating a more just and equitable society.
References
Adams, A. E., Sullivan, C. M., Bybee, D., & Greeson, M. R. (2020). Development of the scale of economic abuse. Violence Against Women, 26(6-7), 563-584. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801220903414
Brush, L. D. (2019). Gender and governance: Feminist strategies in social welfare. Social Politics: International Studies in Gender, State & Society, 26(4), 582-601. https://doi.org/10.1093/sp/jxz026
Elson, D. (2017). Recognize, reduce, and redistribute unpaid care work: How to close the gender gap. New Labor Forum, 26(2), 52-61. https://doi.org/10.1177/1095796017700135
Flood, M. (2019). Engaging men and boys in violence prevention. Palgrave International Handbook of Masculinity and Violence. https://doi.org/10.100