Using Domestic Violence Service Websites to Promote Economic Justice for Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Background and Purpose

Intimate partner violence (IPV) studies increasingly address economic justice for survivors by establishing the prevalence of economic abuse, a common but less recognized form of abuse. Research suggests prioritizing economic empowerment as a core IPV intervention to enhance survivors' economic safety. However, the implementation of such research remains understudied. Domestic violence service websites serve as digital platforms where survivors can recognize abuse, gain information, and access resources. Less is known about how IPV research focusing on economic justice has influenced these websites, particularly in raising awareness about economic abuse and promoting economic empowerment. This study explores the coverage of economic justice on domestic violence service websites across the U.S., guided by two research questions: (1) To what extent do domestic violence service agencies provide information on economic abuse? (2) What intervention efforts are provided on economic empowerment?

Methods

We conducted a national review of 50 U.S. state domestic violence coalitions, including Washington, DC. Over 1,500 agency websites were screened, focusing on those serving IPV survivors. The research team reviewed eligible websites and coded information on economic abuse and services related to economic empowerment, such as financial literacy, financial education, or asset building. Other financial resources or financial safety planning were excluded as these services do not aim to enhance economic self-sufficiency. Data were analyzed using descriptive content analysis to summarize efforts to promote awareness of economic abuse and advocate for economic empowerment through intervention efforts.

Results

Preliminary results show that agencies predominantly focus on physical, psychological, or sexual violence, with little mention of economic or financial abuse. Less than 20% of the agencies introduced the Power and Control Wheel, which includes economic abuse as one of the tactics abusers use to exert control over their victims. However, there was no further information regarding the signs of economic or financial abuse on many of these websites. Very few agencies offered detailed warning signs to help website users identify economic abuse. Most intervention efforts did not focus on economic empowerment, with fewer programs available to promote economic independence and stability for IPV survivors. This lack of emphasis on economic empowerment means many survivors may struggle to make informed financial decisions and build economic well-being.

Conclusions and Implications

This study enhances our understanding of how IPV research influences economic abuse and economic empowerment intervention for both policy and practice. Economic abuse is often overlooked because it does not pose an immediate life threat, causing legal systems to dismiss it as a criminal offense and fail to protect IPV survivors. By identifying gaps and trends in services for economic abuse and empowerment, agencies can better tailor their programs to meet survivors' needs and provide comprehensive support, including services addressing economic abuse. The findings can inform policymakers about the importance of integrating economic empowerment services into domestic violence prevention strategies, potentially leading to more robust funding and support. Focusing on economic empowerment allows survivors to gain control over their financial situations, leading to increased self-sufficiency, long-term stability, and ultimately, economic justice.