Domestic Violence: The Money Factor

Experts say finances are often used to keep women in abusive relationships. We interview Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program Spokespeople: Barbara Stanny, H&R Block Heiress, Author, Speaker and Survivor & Rene Renick, National Network to End Domestic Violence Fund Domestic violence statistics are staggering, with almost 25% of American women reporting that they have been victims of domestic abuse at one point in their lives. Often it is brutal violence, or the fear of violence, that keeps women in abusive relationships, but a unique program led in partnership by The Allstate Foundation and the National Network to End Domestic Violence Fund (NNEDV Fund) is now shining a spotlight on, and offering solutions to, another aspect of domestic violence economic abuse. Experts report that economic control is one of the most effective ways an abuser prevents a victim from leaving a dangerous relationship. Abusers often block access to money and other financial resources to maintain control, and the complicated structure of our nation’s financial institutions can make this an almost insurmountable hurdle for victims of abuse to overcome. The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program, which has provided more than $3 million in funding to national and state domestic violence organizations since 2005, is providing knowledge and skills related to financial security and economic empowerment to help women gain their financial independence and take back their lives. Through initiatives like the Education and Job Training Assistance Fund and a groundbreaking financial literacy curriculum, the Program is filling a gap in domestic violence funding and helping abused women and children achieve physical, emotional, and financial security. The program’s spokespeople are available to offer what could be life-saving advice to your listeners. Some tips and resources for women in, and who have just left, abusive relationships: 1. Get a copy of your credit report and monitor your credit often. 2. Open a post office box and change your mailing address for any financial information you may receive before or immediately after you leave an abusive situation. 3. Secure your private information with new pin codes and passwords. Change atm and debit-card pin codes and the passwords for e-mail and online banking accounts. 4. Make necessary changes to your insurance plans, will, or trust beneficiaries, appointing a new person if your abuser used to be your designee. 5. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline, 1-800-799-safe, to find a local domestic violence program where you can discuss your options and learn about available community resources such as emergency assistance funds, shelter, public benefits, and affordable housing. Barbara Stanny is an author and highly-regarded motivational speaker. As heir to the H&R block fortune, Stanny learned the hard way that relying on the men in her life for her financial well-being whether it was her father or husband was a mistake. She is now on a mission to prevent other women from making the same mistake that she did, and serves as a spokeswoman for The Allstate Foundation Domestic Violence Program. Rene Renick is the Director of Programs and Operations for NNEDV where she oversees daily operations. Rene has spent more than two decades helping victims of abuse and rape, and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. This interview is provided by the Allstate Foundation. https://videos.whiteblox.com/gnb/secure/player.aspx?sid=35042