Employment Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence and Abuse: A Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Economics
• Criminology

Background:

• Intimate partner violence and abuse (IPVA) is a widespread global issue.
• Limited research exists on the employment consequences of IPVA, spanning multiple academic disciplines.
• Existing studies are often geographically concentrated and lack diversity in study populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review existing literature on the employment impact of IPVA.
• To identify key findings regarding the relationship between IPVA and employment outcomes.
• To highlight research gaps and suggest future research directions.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature review was conducted.
• Studies were identified using major academic databases (Embase, APA PsycInfo, PubMed, Social Sciences Citation Index) and reference lists.
• Inclusion criteria focused on peer-reviewed, English-language, quantitative studies examining IPVA's association with absenteeism, time off work, unemployment, or job loss.

Main Results:

• A consistent link was found between IPVA and increased absenteeism or time off work.
• The association between IPVA and job loss or unemployment yielded mixed evidence.
• The majority of studies focused on the United States and female victims, with limited data on male victims or diverse demographics.

Conclusions:

• IPVA significantly affects employee attendance and time away from work.
• Further research is crucial to understand the nuanced relationship between IPVA and job security.
• Addressing research gaps concerning diverse populations and perpetration is essential for developing effective support policies.