Domestic Violence and Employment

Victims of crime have rights in most states in regards to their employment.

Employment is a critical factor for many victims wanting to leave an abusive relationship. Two income households will become one income households. Under employed persons will need to become over employed to keep that same quality of life and the unemployed will need to become employable; or if skilled, find work.

It's a lot to consider and there are not a lot of resources out there specifically for victims seeking to leave, or victims who have left, beyond resources to help you get into a basic low paying job which is not sufficient.
(I was encouraged to take a GED class. Now how would that help me
pay off my College Student Loan?) I was encouraged several times to attend AA. Well, perhaps, but should I begin drinking first or wait until I get into the program? On another occasion, shortly after I lost my home in a fire and subsequently became a single parent needing to relocate and begin the process of rebuilding the house, I sent an application to a significant, well known domestic violence agency in Texas. The response I received was that they couldn't accept my application without knowing 'which' job I was applying for. Ummm, how about 'any job I'm qualified to do' to start with? There weren't any jobs listed so I didn't pursue this to the point of being mailed 'resources'.


Apparently there wasn't any type of program that could assist me since I wasn't on drugs, didn't drink, hadn't been in jail and had some education. Gosh, after being profiled like this, it's no wonder no one was handing out job offers or referrals! (Needless, to say, I have not rebuilt my home yet as there's still that pesky college loan to pay off).


In Texas we have programs that help parolees, dead beat (non child support paying) parents and a lot of groups of people that really do need the additional support but for victims- not much although I'm sure there's a brochure out there somewhere with 'resources'.

See the 'Employment Wheel' to understand how Domestic Violence, Leaving Violence Behind and Employment are intertwined.

I continue to devote a portion of my time to making inroads for victims in Texas for good paying full time jobs or internships (with pay and benefits) with major employers but since I am one of those underemployed single moms working two jobs, I don't have a lot of time to devote to it.

If anyone would like to participate in this process, I would welcome the additional help. You'd be a volunteer of course.

If you are an employer in Texas and you would like more information on the types of jobs and support that survivors need during the initial months of leaving a violent situation; Please contact me. You may contact me through the 'Becky Cockrum' link below.