“I Had to Start from Scratch”: The Lasting Impacts of Domestic Abuse on Women’s Careers

Leaving an abusive relationship is just the beginning of navigating its far-reaching impacts. The effects of abuse can profoundly shape career trajectories, undermining confidence, stability, and long-term professional goals. Even after escaping the abusive relationship, women often face enduring challenges that affect their ability to thrive in the workplace. This blog explores these challenges, drawing on recent research (1) to shed light on their complexities and long-term implications.

Long-Term Career Disruption

Domestic abuse often creates lasting instability in women’s careers. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression—common among survivors—frequently interfere with workplace performance and career advancement (2). Additionally, financial and professional setbacks caused by economic abuse during the relationship can take years to overcome (3).

Elizabeth, a study participant, shared how the abuse affected her self-perception and career progression:

“I have really bad imposter syndrome. I still think I’m not good enough and people are going to find out. Underneath, I’m just anxious, really lacking confidence.”

Such self-doubt often results in missed opportunities for promotions, reluctance to pursue leadership roles, and an overall hesitation to fully engage in professional growth.

Challenges of Returning to Work

For many survivors, re-entering the workforce after leaving an abusive relationship is fraught with difficulties. Skills gaps, fragmented work histories, and the lingering psychological toll of abuse make it challenging to secure stable employment. Moreover, trauma can manifest in ways that directly impact job performance, such as difficulty concentrating, maintaining routines, or managing stress (4).

Emma described her struggles to rebuild her career after leaving her abuser:

“I stopped working completely during the relationship. Afterward, I had to start from scratch, but I felt like I’d lost my confidence and didn’t know where to begin.”

These experiences highlight the need for tailored support systems that address both practical and emotional barriers to employment.

Impact on Career Stability and Advancement

Even for women who maintain employment after leaving an abusive relationship, the long-term effects can hinder career progression. Chronic stress and unresolved trauma often result in higher absenteeism, lower productivity, and difficulty managing workplace relationships (5).

Claire shared how her experiences shaped her career choices:

“The idea of going into any kind of supervisory or management role terrified me. I avoided anything that required assertiveness because it just felt too overwhelming.”

This avoidance of leadership roles is a common theme among survivors, reflecting how abuse can erode not only self-confidence but also ambition.

Economic Recovery and Professional Identity

Economic abuse, a common tactic in abusive relationships, often leaves survivors financially unstable. Recovering from such setbacks requires time and resources, both of which are often in short supply. Many women must take lower-paying or part-time jobs to accommodate their recovery needs, delaying their professional development (6).

Elizabeth explained how her health and career were impacted long after the abuse ended:

“I have an autoimmune disease that they think is linked to chronic stress from the abuse. I can’t do a traditional nine-to-five job anymore, so I had to find work that fits around my health.”

These economic and health challenges underscore the importance of flexible and supportive workplaces for survivors.

Transforming Adversity Into Growth

While the impact of abuse on careers is often negative, many survivors find ways to use their experiences as a catalyst for positive change. For some, the process of rebuilding their lives leads to newfound resilience, purpose, and career opportunities (7).

Elizabeth turned her experiences into a mission to support others through her work:

“I understand when people are in a bad place. That’s why I’ve built a community café to support people. It’s my way of giving back and creating something meaningful.”

Such stories of post-traumatic growth highlight the potential for recovery and empowerment, even in the face of significant adversity.

Recommendations for Employers and Policymakers

Supporting the career recovery of domestic abuse survivors requires systemic changes at both organizational and policy levels. Key recommendations include:

• Flexible Work Arrangements: Allow survivors to manage their recovery while maintaining employment.

• Trauma-Informed Practices: Provide training for managers and HR professionals to understand and support the unique needs of survivors.

• Access to Career Development Resources: Offer programs that help survivors rebuild skills, networks, and confidence.

Conclusion

The impact of domestic abuse on women’s careers is profound and long-lasting, extending far beyond the immediate aftermath of leaving a relationship. However, with the right support survivors can overcome these challenges and find pathways to professional fulfilment and stability. By recognising the unique barriers faced by survivors and implementing supportive measures, we can help transform their journeys from surviving to thriving.

References

(1) Groom, G. (2024). A Qualitative Exploration of how Domestic Abuse Impacts the Work and Careers of Women Victim-Survivors (Unpublished Masters Dissertation in occupational psychology). University of East London, London.

(2) Nathanson, A. M., Shorey, R. C., Tirone, V., & Rhatigan, D. L. (2012). The prevalence of mental health disorders in a community sample of female victims of intimate partner violence. Partner Abuse, 3(1), 59–75. doi:10.1891/1946-6560.3.1.59.

(3) Chronister, K. M., Linville, D., & Kaag, K. P. (2008). Domestic violence survivors' access of career counselling services: A qualitative investigation. Journal of Career Development, 34(4), 339–361.

(4) Showalter, K. (2016). Women’s employment and domestic violence: A review of the literature. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 31, 37–47. doi:10.1016/j.avb.2016.06.017.

(5) Reeves, C., & O’Leary-Kelly, A. M. (2009). The effects of intimate partner violence on the workplace. Journal of Occupational Health Psychology, 14(1), 36–49.

(6) Staggs, S. L., & Riger, S. (2005). Effects of intimate partner violence on low-income women’s health and employment. American Journal of Community Psychology, 36(1-2), 133–145.

(7) Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence—From domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.