Citation

Hadeed LF, Lee YS. J. Poverty 2010; 14(3): 285.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/10875549.2010.494948

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This study examines the impact of intimate partner abuse on women's employment in Trinidad and Tobago. Using a qualitative method and data from in-depth interviews with 17 Afro-Trinidadian women, the study found that 12 women were able to seek and maintain employment without interference from their abusers. Data analyses suggest that abusers monitored the women's work schedules and manipulated them into using their earnings for household expenses. While five women were unemployed, only two were prevented from working despite severe economic need. The findings also show that three women were harassed or stalked at their workplaces. Three women who told their employers or co-workers about the abuse received mixed responses. Fourteen women hid their abuse from co-workers because of shame or fear of stigmatization. The findings further highlight the need for workplace interventions for dealing with partner abuse. Implications for research, practice and policy are also discussed.