Not Enough: What TANF Offers Family Violence Victims

Studies have found that over half of women receiving public assistance are victims of domestic violence. The report examines the effectiveness of the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program in assisting victims of family violence. According to the report, TANF is riddled with shortsighted procedures policies that prevent many of these victims from accessing aid.

The report is based on a national survey of approximately 600 staff members from domestic violence programs, legal aid and anti-poverty agencies who work with victims on TANF-related issues. Only 14 percent of respondents said that their state’s TANF family violence policies are effective, and 43 percent said fewer than half of victims were able to access TANF benefits. One in 4 respondents said that family violence information disclosed by victims was handled inappropriately.

The report was produced by Legal Momentum, a nonprofit legal advocacy organization, and the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence (NRCDV).

Read the report.