Financial Help for Domestic Violence Victims
Domestic violence can make it difficult for a survivor to escape this situation and live financially on their own. The abuser often controls the family’s finances and limits the survivor’s access to money.
If you or someone you know wants to break free from an abusive relationship, you will need financial support. Read on to learn about organizations that offer resources and steps you can take to achieve financial independence.
Where Can You Get Financial Help for Domestic Violence Victims?
Domestic violence generally refers to physical assault, sexual assault, intentional intimidation, and other abusive behaviors. However, it often includes financial control, which can have devastating economic consequences for the victim.
Approximately 94% to 99% of women who experience domestic violence are victims of financial violence, sometimes referred to as economic control. Financial control stems from coercive control exercised by multiple abusers—a systematic pattern of power to subjugate a partner.
Allstate Foundation
The Allstate Foundation offers free financial education tools to survivors and their advocates. The foundation aims to help survivors achieve financial independence.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
The National Domestic Violence Hotline is staffed with supportive and caring staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These advocates will listen to your case and discuss your options with you. They can also direct you to resources available in your area, such as emergency financial assistance or transitional housing. Call 1-800-SAFE-799-7233, contact them directly via email, or text START to 88788. All communications are confidential.
Salvation Army Assistance for Victims of Domestic Violence
The Salvation Army provides emergency assistance, shelter, and treatment in several cities across the country. Location information is confidential. Use the “Find Help” tool on their website or contact National Headquarters at 1-800-SAL-ARMY-725-2769.
Love is Respect
This organization offers counseling and assistance in identifying warning signs of abuse. Call 1-866-331-9474, connect directly via chat, or text LOVEIS to 22522. Our team is available 24/7 to help you access resources.
StrongHearts Native Helpline
StrongHearts provides culturally appropriate support for Native Americans and Alaska Natives experiencing domestic or sexual violence. The organization can help you find a local health center or crisis center, refer you to a culturally sensitive provider, and develop a personal safety plan with you. Call 1-844-762-8483 to speak with an advocate 24/7.
National Network to End Domestic Violence
The National Network to End Domestic Violence maintains a list of U.S. state and territory organizations that assist in addressing domestic violence. These organizations can connect you with local service providers and resources in your area. Visit NNEDV to find support near you. They also operate WomensLaw.org, a service that provides free legal advice to any survivor of domestic violence, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Office for Victims of Crime
Each state has an office that receives funding to support victims of crime. To see if you qualify for compensation, visit the Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and click on your state.
Local Domestic Violence Shelter
DomesticShelters.org can help you find a shelter or program in your area. Enter your zip code or city into our search tool for a list of local resources.
Savvy Ladies
Savvy Ladies offers free financial education for women through online classes and seminars. They can also connect you with a financial advisor to answer questions through their toll-free helpline. Use their website to submit a question.
Dress for Success
Dress for Success empowers women through a support network, workwear, and development strategies. Their goal is to help women achieve financial independence. The organization has local branches throughout the country.
Financial Abuse in Domestic Violence: Steps Victims Can Take to Regain Control
Make your safety and the safety of your children a priority. Call 911 if you believe you are in imminent danger. Here are other resources that offer support or legal assistance for victims of domestic violence.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
- Rape, Abuse & Incest National Helpline: 1-800-656-HOPE
- National Domestic Violence Resource Center Legal Aid: 1-800-537-2238
A trained domestic violence advocate can provide guidance on how to maintain a safe distance between you and your abuser. There are also many steps, both big and small, that a victim of financial violence can take:
- Avoid using credit and debit cards; your abuser can use this information to track you.
- Keep your personal and financial records in a safe place.
- Leave copies of your records with a friend or family member, and use a safe deposit box at a bank (which your abuser cannot access). Keep an emergency evacuation kit containing copies of your family’s vital records and documents.
- Keep copies of your car and house keys, extra money, and emergency phone numbers safely.
What Benefits Do DV Victims Get?
Being a domestic violence victim you can get several free benefits from the resources available here:
- Emergency shelters and housing assistance: Several emergency shelters provide temporary housing, and some programs provide rent assistance or transitional housing.
- Financial assistance: People can qualify for financial assistance, grants, or emergency funds through government and non-profit programs.
- Legal Aid: Free legal services are available to prevent orders, custody, and other legal matters.
- Consultation and Support Services: Medical, Help, and Mental Health Services are often provided for emotional recovery.
- Employment and Education Assistance: This type of assistance is available to help the victims achieve independence, job training, and educational grants.
Some Other Additional Information and Support
If you would like help tailored to your background and needs or help and support for specific types of abuse, several organizations can help. See Domestic Abuse:
You can also find additional information and support on the following topics here:
- Help for children and young people
- Western benefits and housing advice
- Help if you are not a permanent resident
- Help for specific types of abuse
Conclusion
Financial assistance is important for domestic violence victims to gain freedom and rebuild their lives. Emergency funds, housing assistance, legal aid, and job assistance can provide various resources relief, and stability. The victims should find help from shelters, non-profit organizations, and government programs to reach these benefits. Support is available to help people move forward towards safety and self-sufficiency.