Economic Education for Battered Women: An Evaluation of Outcomes

Cynthia K. Sanders, Boise State University
Terri L. Weaver, Saint Louis University
Meg Schnabel, Redevelopment Opportunities for Women

Abstract

Economic education programs that are intended to improve financial literacy have gained significant attention in recent years as one strategy for promoting social and economic development, especially among poor and disadvantaged groups. The aims of such programs are to increase awareness of financial choices, opportunities, and consequences. The role that poverty and financial matters play in intimate partner violence has also received increasing attention among advocates for victims of domestic violence. This study examined the financial literacy outcomes of an economic education program that was created specifically for battered women using a quasi-experimental design. The findings indicate limited gains in financial knowledge and significant improvements in financial self-efficacy and highlight the need for further research.