Does welfare diversion predict domestic violence fatalities? Evidence from Georgia Open Access
Jahangir, Tasfia (Spring 2023)
Abstract
Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a risk factor for homicides and suicides. As poverty is both a predictor and a consequence of IPV, interventions that alleviate poverty-related stressors could mitigate IPV-related harms. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a monthly cash assistance program, is one such potential intervention. Some states implement a TANF diversion program, which provides a non-recurrent lump-sum payment to deter individuals from monthly TANF benefits. Diversion is an understudied component of TANF that may influence the efficacy of state TANF programs in supporting IPV survivors. This paper reports the quantitative findings of our mixed-methods sequential explanatory study examining the effect of TANF diversion on IPV-related mortality. Using state-level data from Georgia within the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), we conducted a time-series analysis to estimate the effect of TANF diversion on IPV-related homicides and suicides. We found three 3 fewer IPV-related deaths per month after the implementation of TANF diversion compared to pre-diversion forecasts (coefficient=- 3.003, 95%CI [-5.474, -0.532]). Coupled with what is already known about the limited reach of TANF, including Georgia’s low TANF-to-poverty ratio, findings suggest that diversion payments may be achieving an outcome that differs from its theoretical goal. Further attention to contextual factors is crucial for understanding how specific policy components of TANF influence IPV. Forthcoming research will contextualize our quantitative findings through semi-structured interviews with key informants who have TANF experience and expertise in Georgia. This work will reveal how TANF diversion is implemented in the state, how the implementation may impact IPV survivors, and the potential disparities experienced by survivors of color. We move the TANF literature forward by examining the impact of an understudied welfare policy component on a severe public health problem. The focus on Georgia is contextually valuable for advancing health equity given the state’s high poverty level and prevalence of IPV.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: Introduction and Statement of the Problem and Purpose............................... 1
Chapter 2: Review of the Literature....................................................................................... 8
2.1. Intimate Partner Violence: Burden and Consequences ........................................ 8
2.2. Policy Responses to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) ........................................... 11
2.3. What is a cash assistance program? ........................................................................ 14
2.4. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): A Brief History ................ 17
2.5. TANF Diversion ......................................................................................................... 24
2.6. Georgia as a Case Study............................................................................................ 26
2.7. Theoretical Framework: The Family Stress Model ............................................... 29
Chapter 3: Methods................................................................................................................... 33
3.1. Ethical Review ............................................................................................................ 33
3.2. Population, Sample & Measures.............................................................................. 33
3.3. Research Design, Procedure, & Data Analysis Methodology ............................. 34
Chapter 4: Results ..................................................................................................................... 37
4.1. Sample Characteristics .............................................................................................. 37
4.2. Key Findings............................................................................................................... 37
Chapter 5: Conclusion .............................................................................................................. 39
5.1. Summary of Study .................................................................................................... 39
5.2. Discussion of Key Results ........................................................................................ 39
5.3. Strengths and Limitations........................................................................................ 42
5.4. Lessons Learned ........................................................................................................ 43
References................................................................................................................................... 46
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