Lucille Roybal-Allard: “we are all aware of the fact that domestic violence is at epidemic levels and rising. What was not known until recently…”

“we are all aware of the fact that domestic violence is at epidemic levels and rising. What was not known until recently however, is the relationship between domestic violence and welfare dependency: namely, that for victims of abuse, the welfare system is often the only hope they have for escape and survival. A recent study by the Taylor Institute of Chicago offers insights as to why so many women become trapped in the cycle of violence and dependency. The study found that 50 percent to 80 percent of women on AFDC are current or past victims of domestic violence. It also documents how abusers keep women financially and psychologically dependent by deliberately sabotaging their efforts to succeed in education and job training programs. For example, the study found that abusers have been known to destroy their victims' books and homework, hide their clothing, inflict visible and embarrassing injuries, and engage in abusive behavior before important events such as high school equivalency examinations and job interviews. These findings underscore the importance of ensuring that any welfare reform legislation enacted by Congress maintains this critical safety net.”