Re: Changes in patterns of child neglect

["Randall Webber" <rwebber@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

> 
> In a message dated 98-09-28 10:53:43 EDT, you write:
> 
> << - increased stress on families due to welfare changes (pressure to
work
>  or denial of welfare benefits)>>>>

One of the areas of stress about which we are most concerned is the
increase in domestic violence which is related to welfare-to-work
initiatives.  Some of the male partners of women who are attempting to 
move from welfare into the work force are threatened by "her" potential for
economic independence and, possibly, personal independence.  They throw up
all kinds of roadblocks, the most serious of which is the initiation or
intensification of domestic violence.  Another response is the beginning of
or escalation of violence against the woman's children ("If you go to that
&*$%## training class, I'm going to get mad.  Maybe even mad enough to hurt
someone").

Unfortunately, the woman may be blamed by the welfare system for not
"taking advantage of welfare to work opportunities", when, in fact, she is
scared to death that either her or her children will be hurt or killed if
she involves herself in the program.

-Randy Webber
> 
> J. Randall Webber, M.P.H. <rwebber@chestnut.org>
Director of Training and Publications
Lighthouse Institute
Chestnut Health Systems
720 W. Chestnut St
Bloomington, IL  67101
309/827-6026    309/829-4661 (fax)
http://www.chestnut.org