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APHA Scientific Session and Event Listing

Joanne Pavao, MPH¹, Jennifer Alvarez, PhD¹, Nikki Baumrind, PhD, MPH², Marta Induni, MA³, and Rachel Kimerling, PhD¹. (1) National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 795 Willow Road, PTSD-334, Menlo Park, CA 94025, 650-493-5000 ext 23281, joanne.pavao@va.gov, (2) California Center for Public Health Advocacy, PO Box 2309, Davis, CA 95617, (3) Survey Research Group, 1700 Tribute Road, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95815

Background: The mental and physical health consequences of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) have been well established, yet little is known about the impact of violence on a woman's ability to obtain and maintain housing.

Objective: To examine the relationship between recent IPV and housing instability among a representative sample of California women. It is expected that women who have experienced IPV will be at increased risk for housing instability as evidenced by: a) late rent or mortgage; b) frequent moves due to difficulty obtaining affordable housing; c) without own housing.

Methods: Data are from the 2003 California Women's Health Survey, a population- based, random-digit-dial, annual probability survey of adult California women (N=3,619). Logistic regressions were used to predict housing instability in the past 12 months, adjusting for the following covariates; age, race/ethnicity, education, poverty status, marital status, children in the household and past year IPV.

Results: In the multivariate model age, race/ethnicity, marital status, poverty and IPV were significant predictors of housing instability. After adjusting for all covariates, women who experienced IPV in the last year were almost four times more likely to report housing instability than women who did not experience IPV (AOR=3.98, 95%CI: 2.94-5.39).

Conclusions: IPV is an independent risk factor for housing instability among California women. Difficulties obtaining safe and affordable housing may present a significant barrier to leaving violent relationships for women who are financially dependent upon abusive partners. Women experiencing IPV need services and resources to assist them in finding affordable housing.

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant will be able to

• Describe the concept of housing instability.
• Understand interactions between IPV and housing instability among women.

Keywords: Domestic Violence, Housing

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Not Answered

Handout (.ppt format, 71.5 kb)