Luz Padilla, & Dr. Lindsey Trimble O’Connor
Domestic violence is a social issue that affects women at a disproportionate rate in society. This creates issues that encompass health consequences, cycles of abuse, and emotional harm (Crawford et al. 2009; Mañas et al. 2023; Sani and Pereira 2020), in our communities, institutions, and personal lives. Qualitative research shows that parenthood matters in the decision of mothers to leave (Crawford et al. 2009; Mañas et al. 2023; Sani and Pereira 2020; Stephans 1999), but there is no quantitative research that can demonstrate the same. Therefore, I proposed the following research question: How do mothers and non-mothers compare in their decision to leave an abusive relationship? I hypothesized that mothers are more likely to leave an abusive relationship than non-mothers due to their assigned role as caregivers and protectors. To test my hypothesis I conducted a secondary data analysis based on the Chicago Women’s Health Risk Study, 1995-1998. The original sample consisted of 2,600 women who visited medical sites in Chicago. I narrowed the sample to 705 respondents who reported abuse and agreed to further interviewing and screenings. I conducted a chi-square to determine statistical significance. I find that there is no difference between mothers and non-mothers in their decision to leave or stay. This can be due to external factors such as financial circumstances that bind the victim and the abuser making the decision to leave or stay burdensome. This research further highlights the importance and severity of developing further research that can account for the indifference between these populations which are both equally vulnerable and at risk of staying.