How to Stop Domestic Financial Abuse

By Tim Chen

Posted: April 26, 2011

Financial abuse occurs in 98 percent of abusive relationships, whether in the form of restricting access to a spouse’s credit, or draining assets once a victim attempts to leave. For spouses who see their options gradually dwindle, money may be the reason to stay in a relationship or come back after trying to get out. Of the seven in eight women who go back to an abusive partner after leaving, a significant portion attributes the return to financial pressures.

An abuser can control the victim’s financial freedom in a number of ways, both before and after she attempts to leave. We thank Rene Renick, Vice President of Economic Enterprises at the National Network to End Domestic Violence for her advice on financially protecting yourself from an abusive relationship. Note: throughout the article, we use a female pronoun for the victim and male for the batterer for simplicity, although of course men are also victims of domestic abuse.

Opportunities for financial abuse

According to Renick, a batterer often runs up debt on his credit cards or doesn’t make his payments. If a victim has a joint account with the batterer, or he has signed her up for loans or credit cards without her knowledge, she could see her credit score decimated by his actions or even be held liable for his debts by credit card companies. Abusers sometimes take out credit cards in their children’s names, with themselves as the co-signers, saddling their kids with ruined credit scores before they are financially independent.

After a woman tries to leave, her abuser may use her credit card statements—particularly if they share an account—to track her down. Most injuries or homicides related to domestic violence occur when a victim is leaving or has left the relationship and many batterers try to stalk the women who manage to get away.

The effects of financial abuse

After a woman leaves a financially abusive relationship, she may find herself with severely limited resources. If her abuser ran up debt on a joint account, her credit score will be shot, and she won’t have access to any meaningful lines of credit. She may even have trouble renting an apartment, getting a cell phone or landing a job. If an abuser knows his victim’s personal information —such as her social security number or mother’s maiden name—he can track any inquiries into her credit score, and find her after she’s left.

Furthermore, even if a judge rules that her husband should pay for the debt he incurs, debt collection agencies may come after the victim if he is delinquent. The victim is liable for all the debt in a joint account, whether or not she is responsible for running it up.

Protect yourself before and after leaving

If you can safely do so, transfer your assets—paychecks, inheritance, spare change—into a separate bank account. Make inquiries as to where your household’s assets are, and how much debt you have.

Keep a copy of all your important papers, including bank statements, social security numbers, birth and marriage certificates and documentation of jointly held assets. It’s important to have a physical copy somewhere outside of the house.

As soon as you leave, change all your PIN’s to codes that are not easily identifiable. Avoid using your or your children’s birthdays. Call the issuers of any joint accounts and have your name removed. It will not protect you from existing debt, but it will insulate you from having to pay for anything incurred after you leave.

If you do have a joint account, withdraw half of the assets. “Many women don’t want to do this. They say, ‘That will make me just as bad as he is. He wouldn’t ever do that to me,’” says Renick. “But then the abuser escalates his behavior in an effort to gain back control, and the woman tries to withdraw money only to find all assets have been drained.”

Getting back on your feet

If you are liable for any debts, send a copy of any court orders to the credit company explaining your situation. Also, send a letter to credit reporting agencies. Such extenuating circumstances may help you qualify for a credit card.

Work on rehabilitating your credit score. You may have to settle for a credit card with a high APR until enough time has passed. If you have assets stashed away, you can post collateral for a secured credit card, which extends you as much credit as the amount you’ve posted. Secured credit cards, unlike prepaid debit cards, help to raise your credit score.

Getting by on cash alone is extremely difficult. Everything from online purchases to gas is geared towards paying by plastic. If it is safe, you can get a checking account and a secured credit card. However, if you believe you are in danger if you use your social security number or trigger a credit inquiry, get a one-time-use prepaid debit card. You can buy prepaid cards at a CVS or Wal-Mart and load it up with as much money as you want for a small (usually $5 or less) fee. While it won’t help rehabilitate your credit score or earn interest, it is perfectly anonymous.

The National Network to End Domestic Violence’s website offers more resources, as does the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE).

Tim Chen is chief rewards credit card analyst at NerdWallet.com.

Louisiana Domestic Violence Programs Mark Grim Anniversary - BP Oil Spill One Year Later

Baton Rouge, Louisiana – The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV) has been working over the last year to track domestic violence services in the wake of the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.  The numbers paint a grim picture.

Most of the 20 state-funded domestic violence agencies in Louisiana are located in the southern portion of the state.  LCADV has been collecting and comparing the number of shelter beds occupied and hotline calls received at each agency for the last year and many have seen significant increases.    

In the initial months after the spill, April through June 2010, the southernmost programs all showed increases in crisis hotline calls and persons sheltered compared to the previous year.  Preliminary reports from those areas show that Jefferson parish had an 86% increase in persons sheltered while St. Bernard reported a 43% increase in crisis calls. 

Numbers again showed an increase in August and September.  In those months, 9 of the southern programs showed numbers that were twice what they had been in the previous year.  Several programs indicated they have longer than normal shelter stays.  Many of the programs have been forced to turn away survivors or locate alternate shelter. 

“Survivors seem to be coming in waves.”, explained Beth Meeks, Executive Director of LCADV.  “There is an increase for a couple months and then things return to normal numbers for a month or two.  It’s been back and forth like that throughout 2010.”  Coalition staff is still collecting information from the first quarter of 2011.  

But the numbers only tell part of the story.  Advocates who are in contact with survivors every day have provided information about what they are seeing in the field.  Two-thirds are reporting more significant levels of depression in survivors and half indicate that survivors are reporting a more rapid escalation or severity of violence in incidents.  Many survivors have had increased interaction with the health system due to injuries.

“We don’t think these are new batterers.”, said Meeks.  “These are increased service requests from people experiencing more frequent or more severe violence.  That is probably the result of batterers who have more access to their families because they are not at work.”   Meeks is also concerned about compounding factors.  “While depression and stress and substance abuse don’t cause domestic violence, they can certainly exacerbate it and that is at play in this equation as well.”  Housing and financial assistance, mainly to get housing, were ranked as the number one needs of the survivors.      

Understanding what is happening doesn’t make it any easier to respond.  As numbers rise local programs have seen significant cuts in funding.  Unlike other disasters there has been almost no outpouring of donations to assist the agencies.  Programs did receive some aid from the mental health allotment set aside by BP for the State of Louisiana.       

“These agencies are in a nearly impossible situation.  As demands increase, resources are decreasing.”, Meeks commented.  “The advocates are very dedicated, but it’s frustrating to be held back by a lack of resources when you see so much need.”  

    

# # #

The Louisiana Coalition Against Domestic Violence (LCADV) is a state wide network of battered women’s programs, other organizations and individuals who share the goal of ending violence against women and children in Louisiana.  LCADV empowers its members through advocacy, education, resource development and technical assistance.

NNEDV recognizes America Saves Week

Washington, D.C. – The National Network to End Domestic Violence today recognized America Saves Week as part of its work to financially empower survivors of domestic violence.  While the economy does not create domestic violence, the severity and frequency of abuse can get worse during an economic downturn.  At the same time, the economy can limit options for survivors of abuse to escape.  

“Finances represent a tremendous barrier for survivors of domestic violence to escape,” said Sue Else, president of the National Network to End Domestic Violence.  “America Saves Week encourages everyone to become financially independent.  For so many victims of domestic violence, financial independence can be a pathway to safety.”

First launched in 2001, America Saves Week is a national campaign that encourages low- and moderate- income individuals to save money, reduce debt and build wealth.  America Saves Week runs from February 20-27.

America Saves partners with more than 1,800 organizations to help people increase their rates of savings.  With a motto of “Start Small, Think Big,” America Saves and the American Savings Education Council provide free tools, tips, and regular guidance for individuals who join at www.americasavesweek.org.

“The National Network to End Domestic Violence is deeply committed helping survivors of domestic abuse with financial tips and money-saving practices,” said Else.  “From day-to-day budgeting to long-term retirement planning, we offer tools to help victims get back on their feet and thrive.”

The National Network and The Allstate Foundation forged a unique partnership combining domestic violence expertise with financial expertise to serve survivors of abuse.  The partnership has produced a comprehensive financial education curriculum designed for survivors of domestic violence.  For more information, visit http://nnedv.org/projects/allstatefoundtion.html and http://www.clicktoempower.org/.   

From NNEDV: White House budget proposal supports lifesaving programs for victims of domestic violence

White House Budget Proposal Supports Lifesaving Programs for Victims of Domestic and Sexual Violence

February 17, 2011

NNEDV commended President Barack Obama for his 2012 budget proposal. The fiscally-responsible plan increases funding for programs that prevent and end violence against women and girls.
“During a time of tough budget decisions, we applaud President Obama and Vice President Biden for their support of lifesaving programs for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating abuse, and stalking,” said Sue Else, NNEDV’s president.  “Victim advocates across the country are excited that the Obama Administration so clearly demonstrates its leadership on these issues.” 
An NNEDV survey revealed that during one 24-hour period in 2010, more than 70,000 victims received lifesaving services at domestic violence programs nationwide.  Unfortunately, during that same 24-hour period more than 9,500 requests for services went unmet largely due to lack of funding. The president’s proposed investment in these programs will help local domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers respond to more victims who are fleeing abuse. 
The president’s budget proposal increases funding for cost-effective programs by $175 million, an investment that will save lives and taxpayers’ money.  Programs included in these targeted investments are: 

• the Family Violence Prevention and Services Act, the only federal funding source dedicated to domestic violence shelters and programs;
• the Sexual Assault Services Program, federal funding for victim services; and
• programs serving children affected by domestic violence.

The president’s proposal allocates funding from the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) fund toward emergency shelters, transitional housing and rape crisis services. VOCA is a non-taxpayer source of funding derived entirely from fines and penalties paid by perpetrators. “This smart, targeted investment proposal would assist programs across the country in responding to the needs of victims and ultimately save lives.  We commend the president for investing in these lifesaving and cost-saving programs,” said Else.  “We look forward to working with Congress throughout the budget process to implement the president’s responsible plan and ensure that the final budget invests in all programs that serve victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking," she concluded.

The president's budget proposal also sets aside $9 million from existing funding sources for the creation of a new domestic violence homicide prevention program.  Domestic violence-related homicides occur at a staggering rate, with an average of three women killed every day at the hands of a current or former intimate partner.  The proposed program will use evidence-based tools to identify high risk-cases and intervene to keep victims and their children safe.   

National Network to End Domestic Violence Applauds Attorney General for Addressing Violence Against Women in Indian Country

Washington, D.C. – The National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) today applauded Attorney General Eric Holder for creating the Violence Against Women Federal and Tribal Prosecution Task Force. The group will create a guide for the federal prosecution of violence against women in Indian Country and recommend specific strategies for prosecuting domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. 

“We welcome the creation of this task force and commend Attorney General Holder for his leadership,” said Sue Else, president of NNEDV. “In working to end domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking, tribal communities face unique challenges.  This new task force will increase accountability for perpetrators and strengthen public safety.”

In 2005, Congress found that one in three American Indian women are raped during their lifetimes and are nearly three times more likely to be physically abused than Caucasian women.  Another study found that American Indian women are stalked at least twice as much as any other population.

For more information on the Violence Against Women Federal and Tribal Prosecution Task Force, visit http://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/2011/January/11-ag-086.html.

# # #

NNEDV, a 501(c)(3) organization, is the leading voice for domestic violence victims and their allies.  Its members include the 56 state and territorial coalitions against domestic violence.  It works closely with them to understand the needs of domestic violence victims and advocacy programs.  NNEDV has been a premiere national organization advancing the movement against domestic violence for the past 15 years, after leading efforts among domestic violence advocates and survivors in urging Congress to pass the landmark Violence Against Women Act of 1994.  To learn more, please visit www.nnedv.org.

First-Ever Presidential Proclamation of National Stalking Awareness Month

Posted by Lynn Rosenthal on January 10, 2011 at 06:35 PM EST

In one year alone, 3.4 million adults in the United States were stalked (2009, Bureau of Justice Statistics).  Young women 18-24 are at the greatest risk of being stalked. Despite its prevalence, stalking is little understood by many people, who may think only celebrities are stalked or that stalking isn’t harmful. On the contrary, stalking is a dangerous crime that takes a profound toll on its victims, who are often afraid for their safety and try repeatedly to escape their stalkers. Stalking can happen to anyone and most victims know their stalkers.
Recognizing this serious crime, President Obama became the first President to proclaim January as National Stalking Awareness Month. The Obama Administration has taken significant strides to create an unprecedented, comprehensive strategy to combat violence against women. Shining a light on the hidden crime of stalking is part of that strategy, and a key part of our work to support victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
Stalking is one of the four crimes addressed in the Violence Against Women Act, and is often connected to domestic violence and sexual assault. Seventy-six percent of female intimate partner homicide victims had been stalked by their intimate partners. The U.S. Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) is a Federal leader on efforts to reduce stalking. OVW Director Susan Carbon said, “The motto to “KNOW IT, NAME IT, AND STOP IT” captures the focus of January’s awareness campaign…  Educating ourselves and each other is an important step to encouraging and supporting victims to report the crime and stop the abuse.”
As the President stated in his proclamation:
“This National Stalking Awareness Month, let us acknowledge stalking as a serious crime and urge those impacted not to be afraid to speak out or ask for help.  Let us also resolve to support victims and survivors, and to create communities that are secure and supportive for all Americans.”
To learn more about stalking and Stalking Awareness Month, visit the following website http://www.stalkingawarenessmonth.org/. 

Stalking Awareness Month

NNEDV Recognizes Stalking Awareness Month

January 10, 2011

NNEDV is recognizing January as National Stalking Awareness Month.  Stalking affects 3.4 million victims every year.[1]  This year’s theme – Stalking: Know It. Name It. Stop It. – urges people to end this dangerous crime by learning more and taking action.
“Many survivors of domestic violence escape abuse but are re-victimized by their former partners who stalk them and keep them living in fear,” said Sue Else, president of NNEDV. “Stalking is a serious crime that could lead to deadly results.”
In one of five cases, stalkers use weapons to harm or threaten victims,[2] and stalking is one of the major risk factors in domestic violence cases that end in homicide. [3]  Three out of four victims are stalked by someone they know, and nearly forty percent are stalked by an intimate partner or a friend, roommate or neighbor.[4] 
Stalking takes many forms including assaults, threats, vandalism, burglary, animal abuse, and unwanted cards, text messages, calls, gifts, or visits. One in four victims reports that the stalker uses technology, such as computers, GPS devices, or hidden cameras to track their activities.[5]
“We hope more people will learn about stalking and take action to support its many victims,” said Else.

To mark Stalking Awareness Month, the National Network to End Domestic Violence Safety Net Project & the National Center for Victims of Crime Stalking Resource Center will co-host a conference on  "The Use of Technology in Intimate Partner Stalking" (Jan. 25-27) in Gulfport, Miss. for organizations and individuals who receive funding from the U.S. Department of Justice. There will also be an advanced seminar for criminal justice professionals (Jan. 28). 

For additional resources to help promote Stalking Awareness Month, please visit http://stalkingawarenessmonth.org and for NNEDV’s resources on technology and stalking, visit http://www.nnedv.org/safetynetdocs.

[1] Baum et al., Stalking Victimization in the United States, Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Statistics, 2009, http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/pdf/svus.pdf (accessed September 29, 2009).

[2] Ibid.

[3] Jacquelyn C. Campbell et al., “Risk Factors for Femicide in Abusive Relationships: Results from a Multi-site Case Control Study,” American Journal of Public Health 93 (2003): 7.

[4] Ibid.

[5] Baum, Stalking Victimization in the United States.