How to Assess the Social Risks of Battered Women

The term "social risk" refers to the elements in the social environment that pose potential harms to physical and psychological health. According to the Violence Against Women National Online Resource Center, battered women commonly cope with far more than the physical dangers and emotional trauma of abuse. In addition, they often confront social risks, such as financial instability, homelessness, and potential social stigma. To assess the social risks of battered women requires a sensitive examination of their available social and economic resources and the identification of where resources are lacking.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine immediate risk. According to experts at Praxis International, a nonprofit organization focused on eliminating violence against women, the evaluation of social risk should be part of a woman's "journey to safety." However, the threat of immediate violence can impede the effective assessment of social risk. Before a full risk assessment takes place, it is critical to ensure that women are safe.

• 2

  Identify financial resources. Experts at Praxis International observe that battered women often face traumas that extend beyond an abusive situation. In deciding to leave an abusive relationship, battered women frequently confront financial constraints. An evaluation should thus identify what financial resources are available to the woman and the extent to which they are sufficient to cover the costs of living.

• 3

  Determine availability of safe spaces. If a battered woman has been cohabiting with her partner, in order to leave she needs to secure a new living arrangement. An assessment of social risk needs to identify what housing options are available to the woman, taking into account questions such as whether she has a supportive network of friends or family, whether she can afford to pay rent by herself, and whether there are shelter options locally available. Finding a new residence, for short- or long-term purposes, is also affected by whether the woman has children.

• 4

  Assess social supports. The evaluation of social risks should also take into consideration what social resources are available to the woman and identify whether she has close friends or family members who are aware of her situation.

• 5

  Evaluate occupational skills. As a battered woman leaves her relationship, her level of social and financial stress is affected by her employment status. Especially for women who have been financially dependent on their partners, the occupational skills they possess will shape their ability to gain employment and economic independence.

• 6

  Determine heath status and insurance coverage. As abuse damages both physical and mental health, a social risk assessment needs to account for the health resources available to the woman. Does she have a general practitioner? Has she been receiving routine gynecologic care? Does she have comprehensive health insurance coverage?

• 7

  Evaluate beliefs. As Praxis International describes, the social risks of battered women are also affected by the women's own conceptions of what constitutes abuse. Different cultures have different standards for what is acceptable in the treatment of women. Some battered women may have internalized negative beliefs about their social worth, which affects the degree to which they will take action to protect themselves.