The socioeconomic impact of interpersonal violence on women

Prospective data from a nationally representative sample of women were used to examine 4 objective indexes of social adjustment following direct, interpersonal crime. Household income, marital status, employment, and education level were evaluated as risk factors for and outcomes of victimization. Data were collected in 3 waves at 1-year intervals, and 2,863 women completed all 3 waves. Results indicate that women experience increased risk for victimization when income is below poverty level and when newly divorced. Further, victimization appears to increase women's risk for unemployment, reduced income, and divorce. The cyclical nature of victimization is discussed.