There are a variety of reasons survivors don’t leave their abusers, but it frequently boils down to a shortage of funds.
Moving on and rebuilding is hard under the best circumstances. When an abuser controls the finances, it becomes exponentially more challenging.
To be honest, it can feel insurmountable.
Financial mistreatment can involve prohibiting a survivor from working, concealing assets, denying access to a bank account, or a range ofother coercive tactics.
“Picture not being able to pay for a taxi because you don’t have your own money to use, or being blocked from a bank account or credit card. That’s what women stuck in financially abusive situations experience,” said Vicky Dinges, senior vice president of corporate responsibility at the Allstate Foundation.
Allstate Foundation Purple Purse is a national effort built to give survivors of domestic violence financial tools and knowledge.
The foundation supplies a suite of complimentary financial resources to assist people in navigating the monetary complications and safety concerns involved in leaving an abusive partner.
Through a self-guided collection of ebooks and interactive online videos, survivors learn how to safeguard themselves and their money, fix damaged credit, seek loans, create budgets and more.
Allstate has committed $50 million to the program and has raised nearly $5.5 million in contributions. The foundation reports it has supported over 1 million people in “regaining financial independence and breaking the cycle of domestic abuse.”
Actress Kerry Washington and tennis champion Serena Williams have partnered with the foundation to amplify awareness of Purple Purse and highlight how economic reliance makes it harder for survivors to escape abusive relationships.
“Most people aren’t familiar with financial abuse,” Williams told Mic. “It’s an unseen but terribly destructive form of domestic mistreatment that confines survivors in damaging relationships.”
Need a Plan? These Resources Can Also Help
Below are additional supports for people experiencing abuse:
- The National Endowment for Financial Education offers a no-cost workbook to guide survivors in rebuilding their financial lives after domestic abuse.
- The IRS provides a free publication with tax guidance for survivors of domestic violence.
- WomensLaw.org offers no-cost legal information about handling identity theft and credit card debt resulting from financial abuse.
- Soroptimist distributes over $1.6 million in education grants to help women pursue college or vocational training and boost their income potential.
- We’ve assembled a list of 12 steps to protect your finances when leaving an abusive relationship.
If you or someone you know requires immediate assistance, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or TTY 800-787-3224.
Alexandra Reed is a staff writer at Savinly.
