Exploring the Links Among Nondomicile Violence Against Women, Virtual Mobility, and Capabilities

Abstract

This study examines the role of virtual mobility in helping women develop employment capabilities when they face high levels of nondomicile violence. We hypothesize that nondomicile violence limits women’s spatial mobility, reducing their ability to develop employment capabilities by limiting spatial mobility. Traditionally, spatial mobility is required for commuting to work, schools, colleges, and job training centers (capability development centers). Job training and education women receive at work and capability development centers, respectively, play a critical role in developing employment capabilities. However, nondomicile violence prevents women from accessing capabilities development centers and, consequently, reduces women’s ability to develop employment capabilities. In addition, we hypothesize that, in the context where women face high levels of nondomicile violence, virtual mobility can allow women to develop employment capabilities by supplanting spatial mobility. We find that nondomicile violence against women negatively impacts women’s employment capabilities. We also find that virtual mobility positively moderates the adverse effects of nondomicile violence on women’s employment capabilities. Based on our findings, we recommend governments invest in virtual mobility infrastructures to help women living in high levels of nondomicile violence develop employment capabilities.