How Insurers Help Domestic Abuse Survivors Achieve Financial Independence

While domestic violence is often thought of in physical terms, financial abuse is a common tactic abusers use to control their partners. It includes limiting access to finances, withholding information, or ruining credit. This form of abuse occurs in nearly all domestic violence situations and can force survivors to remain in or return to abusive relationships due to economic dependence. Insurance companies, such as The Allstate Foundation, are stepping in to help by offering financial education and resources, such as the Moving Ahead Curriculum, which provides survivors with crucial tools for rebuilding their lives.

In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, the insurance industry is raising awareness of how financial strategies can support victims before and after leaving abusive situations. These strategies include securing financial records, understanding financial standing, and making necessary changes to insurance policies. Experts, like Ruth Glenn, emphasize that financial empowerment is critical to helping survivors achieve independence and avoid returning to dangerous situations. Digital abuse, which often accompanies financial manipulation, further exacerbates the challenges survivors face, making financial education even more essential.