For the last decade, aid donors and international development and non-government organisations have embraced women’s economic empowerment as the most effective solution to the problem of women’s economic marginalisation and poverty. The Australian aid program, for example, places strong emphasis on addressing women’s empowerment and especially their economic empowerment. It is important, therefore, to reflect on the methods being used to achieve economic empowerment and, in particular, on what factors may facilitate this objective and what may have a negative impact on it. Drawing on research in the Papua New Guinea highlands as part of the Do No Harm project, this In Brief examines some of the challenges women face in escaping violent relationships.