Relationship violence and the health of low-income women with children

Relationship violence is a major public health concern for women living in the United States. Studies show that relationship violence is associated with poorer physical and mental health and higher rates of substance abuse. Although relationship violence is an important issue for women in all segments of society, studies consistently show that women of low socioeconomic status exhibit higher rates of violence than their more affluent counterparts. Using data from the Welfare, Children, and Families project, a probability sample of 2,402 low-income women with children living in low-income neighborhoods in Boston, Chicago, and San Antonio, this study examines the direct and indirect effects of relationship violence during childhood and adulthood on adult psychological distress, heavy drinking, and self-rated health over two years. Results are generally consistent with prior research, showing that relationship violence during childhood and adulthood is associated with higher levels of psychological distress, heavier drinking, and poorer self-rated health. There is also some evidence to suggest that the effects of sexual coercion in early life on heavy drinking and self-rated health in adulthood are mediated by psychological distress.