“My Resources Ran Out and He Didn’t Need Me Anymore”: Economic Abuse Dynamics Experienced by Mothers Enrolled in Home Visiting Programs

Abstract Purpose Home visitation programs screen for and respond to mothers’ experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) and economic stressors. However, practices and research focused on IPV for mothers enrolled in home visitation programs rarely include experiences of economic abuse, which is a type of IPV. This study explored dynamics of economic abuse for mothers in home visitation programs to further conceptual developments regarding types of economic abuse and to guide improvements for practices with mothers of young children who are experiencing IPV. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a racially diverse sample of 33 mothers enrolled in home visitation programs in rural and urban areas across a Midwestern state. All mothers indicated experiencing economic abuse as part of a previous study phase. Thematic analysis was conducted with open and focused coding to identify dynamics of economic abuse. Results Mothers detailed abuse tactics indicating dynamics of economic restriction, especially employment sabotage connected to the denial of childcare, and economic exploitation. These forms of economic abuse were heightened for mothers who moved to new locations with their partners. We also conceptualized a dynamic of economic burden, which facilitates and connects to other forms of economic abuse for a subsample of mothers. Conclusions Mothers experienced forms of economic restriction and economic exploitation, as well as dynamics of economic burden. Based on these findings, home visiting programs can be critical connections for childcare, social connection, and economic supports for mothers experiencing IPV, especially those who have moved to new areas with their partners.