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, inte rpersonal crime. Household income. marital status. employment, and educatio n level were evaluated as risk factors for and outcomes of victimization. D ata were collected in 3 waves at 1-year intervals, and 2,863 women complete d all 3 waves. Results indicate that women experience increased risk for vi ctimization when income is below poverty level and when newly divorced. Fur ther, victimization appears to increase women's risk for unemployment, redu ced income, and divorce. The cyclical nature of victimization is discussed.