Even less research has been on the degree to which staying in an abusive relationship undermines the ability of women on welfare to make the transition to work. While these are only initial studies and the rates for battering of welfare recipients refer to any previous incidents of violence, nonetheless there is reason to suspect that the number of battered women among the current welfare population in any one state is much higher than previously assumed. In addition, studies are now beginning to appear that suggest the problem of violence also complicates the transition from welfare to work. Twenty-four percent of the women reported that they had lost a job partly because of being abused. Others have cut off their partner's hair, hidden their clothes or bruised them so badly that they were embarrassed to leave home.
Some abusers harass or stalk their partners at their place of employment.
While work may in fact be an important part of the equation that will enable battered women to have a life outside of a violent relationship, forcing victims of domestic violence to meet work requirements and other restrictions may put them in jeopardy and require them to undertake responsibilities before they are prepared to do so. Making provision for battered welfare recipients, and enabling them to get the support they need when they need it, is more likely to ensure that they will go to work and stay off welfare when they are finally ready. The new welfare restrictions overlook that enabling many women on welfare, including battered women, takes time and support. Again, these studies like the ones on the number of battered women on public assistance are only initial studies and their numbers will be subject to strict scrutiny as researchers finally turn to examining this important neglected topic. Nonetheless, there are reasons to suggest that policy makers need to take the issue of domestic violence into account as they begin to design a new welfare system.