Domestic Abuse & Financial Independence

Domestic abuse continues to be a leading cause of public health concern in the United States. While many abused partners, today, feel empowered to leave an abusive relationship, there are those who continue to say in a marriage or relationship out of financial dependence.

Control over a partner or spouse is a key aspect in the personality of an abuser. For many abusers, having control over their partner's activities and finances often results in limited resources for the victim of the abuse. Because of this control and lack of finances, many abused partners and spouses are forced to stay in an abusive relationship with few options for escaping and starting a new and healthier life for themselves.

Even when seeking shelter in a safe haven, the victims of domestic violence often state they have little to no financial resources, leading to a need to return home to the violence. As a result, many battered sheltered and safe havens are now employing staff and volunteers who can assist the abused individual in finding resources to gain the financial freedom to escape the bad relationship.

While psychological and emotional counseling are an important part to recovering from your experience with domestic violence, it is also important to understand the role your finances will play. Without proper financial support and resources, you may feel there is a need to return to the abusive relationship out of despair. By returning, this can only serve to complicate, further, your relationship and your emotional well being.

When making the decision to leave an abusive relationship, you will want to be certain you are familiar with all of the financial assets that are available to you. In addition, you may want to gather any important financial documents that pertain to the assets you have conjoined with your spouse or partner. Life insurance, auto insurance, home mortgages and even banking statements and 401(k) documents are important to have when you arrive at the haven or shelter. In addition, you will want to open your own personal savings or checking account as soon as possible, to provide for an independent way in which to build your own financial independence.

Remember that your decision to leave an abusive relationship is a smart one. The timing will never be "right" and, therefore, must simply be made upon your need to find safe shelter, food and clothing. If possible, before leaving an abusive relationship where domestic violence is quite common, attempt to gather asset and financial documents that pertain to your relationship. Open your own checking or savings account as soon as possible so as to make the first step toward your own financial freedom. In taking these steps, you can reduce your overwhelming need to return home based on lack of financial support. AT the local haven or battered shelter, there should be staff there that can provide you with the resource information for financial counselors that can provide further guidance.