Women’s Lived Experiences with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): How TANF Can Better Support Women’s Wellbeing and Reduce Intimate Partner Violence

Drawing on women's experiences with Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), this National Library of Medicine-hosted article explores how program policies and interactions with staff can affect participants' well-being and experiences with intimate partner violence. It highlights the importance of understanding the challenges women may face while navigating assistance, including relationship violence and economic insecurity. TANF practitioners can use this research to reflect on how program requirements, staff interactions, and available supports affect participants' ability to engage with services, maintain safety, and pursue economic independence. The findings also offer insights into ways TANF programs can create more responsive, supportive experiences for women and families.