The study used face-to-face interview data from a random sample of 753 women from the welfare caseload in an urban Michigan county in February 1997. Domestic violence was assessed with a modified version of the Conflict Tactics Scale. Nearly one quarter of the women had experienced physical partner violence in the preceding 12 months, and almost two thirds in their lifetimes. Recent victims had significantly higher rates of five psychiatric disorders (depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, drug dependence, and alcohol dependence) and health problems than women who never experienced domestic violence. Recent partner violence was also associated with greater material hardship. There was no significant association between domestic violence, past or present, and employment. Study results support the need for making distinctions among welfare recipients in terms of their domestic violence histories and their specific needs, and adoption of differential service plans. The article claims that the severe impact of domestic violence may persist even after the victim has left a violent partner or the violence has stopped. Therefore, resources and services that promote healing and well-being must be available long after a woman has become economically self-sufficient. Tables, references