Defining and measuring economic solvency in the context of violence against women

Poverty is one of the most consistent risk factors for intimate partner violence (IPV) across the globe.  In addition, IPV has been found to be a risk factor for poverty, creating a cycle that is difficult for women to escape.  Scholarship has been dedicated to defining and measuring poverty in the context of IPV; however, little research has been done on the economic state in which women are at a decreased risk for IPV.  We can refer to this state as economic solvency.  Economic solvency is defined as a long-term state that occurs when there is a societal structure that supports gender equity and external resources are available and can be used by a woman who has necessary human capital, sustainable employment, and independence.  Research with a focus on economic solvency will allow public health professionals to set appropriate goals for community programs that address poverty as a risk factor for IPV.  A seven year prospective study is under way to measure outcomes of 300 women and their children after seeking help for IPV for the first time.  As part of the study, researchers are beginning to measure attributes of economic solvency in women, correlated to severity of physical and sexual abuse, after leaving their intimate partner and the functioning of the women and their children over time.  Beginning measurements will be discussed as well as future directions for research on economic solvency in IPV research and possible interventions such as microcredit.