(NewInsights.org) – Domestic violence doesn’t just hurt a person physically and emotionally. The financial repercussions of domestic violence can haunt survivors for years after they escape an abusive relationship. The problem doesn’t start when they leave; the problem most likely started long ago.
Abuse is about control, and financial abuse happens in 98 percent of domestic abuse cases. People experiencing domestic abuse, particularly women, collectively lose more than 8 million paid days of work per year. Around 70 percent of those abused aren’t permitted to work at all. Another 59 percent face the reality of ruined credit.
A Difficult Road
Once a person decides to leave an abusive domestic situation, they gain access to numerous resources. There are programs available through virtually every form of government and religious organization, as well as volunteer organizations that safely extract, house, and care for abuse survivors until they get back on their feet.
The road to that day is the tricky part. The best thing someone can do to prepare for such a life-changing decision is plan ahead, if possible.
Where to Start
If you are a victim of domestic abuse and need help, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Their website gives you the option to chat anonymously, text, or call someone for help. The site provides specific instructions on navigating safely if you suspect someone is checking your browser history.
Plan Ahead, If You Can
For many abuse survivors, their exit from the life they’ve endured is unexpected and fast. For others, it’s something they plan extensively. The most important thing an abused person can do while planning their escape is to be safe.
Remember: Abuse is about control. If you have the opportunity to put away some money, secure a place to live, employment, and other such essentials, you’ll be way ahead of the game when you go.
That’s not always an option, of course. Your specific situation will dictate what is and isn’t safe, and you certainly don’t want to do anything to add to your emotional distress in these trying times.
Gather Information Safely
Abusive relationships can include forms of financial abuse. Partners may prevent you from working, or they may use your information to open credit accounts in your name, making you more dependent on them financially and materially. Before you leave, find out where you stand:
- Go in person to banks and get account information.
- Get a copy of your credit record. Look for unfamiliar accounts. You can dispute them after you leave and are safe.
- Make copies of important documents and store them in a safe place that’s inaccessible to your partner.
- Make a list of joint accounts you might be responsible for with all account information.
The preparation can help you sort out your financial situation after you leave and may help you establish new accounts and re-establish your credit independently.
Get Out First, Worry Later
You’re going to be able to find support for you and anyone leaving with you. The most important thing to do is to get out. Once the abuse ends and you have some time to recover and heal, you’ll find an amazing support system waiting for you.
Domestic violence isn’t something to sweep under the rug. While the stress of what might be ahead for your finances is undoubtedly an issue, don’t let it be what stops you from seeking help.
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