Food insecurity and intimate partner violence (IPV) are important public health issues and are often linked. In this article we describe a series of interviews, aiming for a more detailed understanding of how food insecurity and IPV contour the lives of women in rural Vermont. Interviews highlighted how violence affects eating habits, and the role of other health issues and experiences such as incarceration and substance use. Participants shared their idea of good food, and barriers to good food. While obtaining enough calories and nutrients is important for health, participants spoke about the importance of food as a demonstration of love, care, and bonding. This aspect of eating may be even more critical for IPV survivors, who often experience intense feelings of isolation. Participants also identified community resources, causes of violence, and ideas for prevention.
The Link between Food Insecurity and Intimate Partner Violence
Emily A. Waterman, PhD, is an applied developmental scientist who aims to promote youth development through mixed-method research and evaluation. Waterman conducts research on risk and protective factors for violence as well as outcome and process evaluations of preventative interventions. She is a faculty member in developmental psychology at Bennington College.
Tatiana Abatemarco, PhD, is director of the Food Security Innovation Lab at the Vermont Foodbank. She is passionate about fostering resilient food systems. Tatiana received her PhD in Natural Resources from the University of Vermont. She has previously taught at Bennington College, the University of Vermont, Green Mountain College, and Paul Smith’s College.
Emily A. Waterman, Tatiana Abatemarco; The Link between Food Insecurity and Intimate Partner Violence. Gastronomica 1 August 2024; 24 (3): 56–63. doi: https://doi.org/10.1525/gfc.2024.24.3.56
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