While domestic violence cuts across all socioeconomic groups and circumstances, it is clear that the combined experience of poverty and violence raises particular difficulties for victims of domestic violence. From domestic violence research and advocacy experience over the last 20 years, we know that domestic violence victims have used welfare – formerly known as Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) – as an economic bridge out of violent relationships, and that the process of seeking greater economic independence from an abusive partner can be very dangerous. When it is possible to do so safely, getting and keeping a job can also be a very positive experience for a battered woman and other victims of domestic violence, promoting healing and raising self-esteem.

Some persons will need little in the way of a specialized response; they will not even need to disclose the domestic violence they are experiencing and still be successful in meeting all welfare-to-work requirements. Other persons may be able to fulfill work requirements if they receive assistance in arranging safe transportation, childcare, and/or daytime classes. Some may need more services, such as intensive safety planning and ongoing domestic violence services, in order to go to work safely. However, in some cases, it will be impossible for battered women to work or comply with other requirements now related to welfare eligibility. Those very steps that welfare now requires of recipients – engaging in job training, job searches, getting a job, cooperating with child support – are the very activities that will place them and their children in danger. In all of these situations, a partnership between the Department of Health and Human Resources and WVCADV’s licensed domestic violence network will be key in helping victims of violence assess their situations and plan for their safety.

The federal TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families) legislation of 1996 contains a provision that allows states to adopt the Family Violence Option. TANF welfare laws recognize the importance of safety and financial concerns for women wanting to leave abusive partners. For this reason, victims of domestic violence can be temporarily excused from meeting certain requirements, or they can receive special assistance in areas such as time limits, work and residency requirements, child support cooperation requirements, and family income provisions.

In 1996, West Virginia elected the Family Violence Option (FVO). Because of this, the Department of Health and Human Resources can use federal TANF funds to purchase services for victims of domestic violence in the state. In consultation with licensed domestic violence programs in West Virginia, the Department decided to allocate funding for one staff position for each county in the state as well as earmarking funds for relocation, parenting classes and victim training.
On a practical level, allocation of these TANF funds means that licensed domestic violence programs will employ a Family Violence Option Advocate in each county. The role of the FVO Advocate is to act as a liaison between the county DHHR Office and the licensed domestic violence program and to assist in securing safety, confidentiality and effective services for victims of domestic violence who receive assistance from the state. 

To contact the local FVO Advocate, contact your local domestic violence program. Click here for program contact information.