Economic Abuse - It's Not Just a Problem on Wall Street
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June 24, 2009
Louisville, KY – Economic abuse does not only define the woes of Wall Street – it also occurs within some Kentucky households. According to a new poll, a majority of Americans fail to see the connection between domestic violence and economic abuse, although control of a victim's finances is a tactic commonly used by an abuser.
Mary O'Doherty, Economic Empowerment Project director for the Kentucky Domestic Violence Association, says financial instability is often the most difficult barrier for those leaving an abusive relationship.
"They do not believe that they have the wherewithal, financially, to provide for themselves and their children on their own. Their abusers know this, and use it to keep survivors in these domestic violence relationships."
The poll, released by The Allstate Foundation, also found that 76 percent of those surveyed believe the poor economy has made life more difficult for victims of domestic violence, and 66 percent believe it has prompted an increase in domestic violence - figures that don't surprise O'Doherty.
"The economic stress that many people are feeling is making domestic violence situations tougher. Families that were already struggling with domestic violence are probably feeling the effects, a lot more than they might have without the current economic climate."
Other signs of economic abuse include racking up debt without a partner's knowledge, negatively impacting a job, or forbidding a partner to earn money or attend school. In addition to its Economic Empowerment Program, the Kentucky Domestic Violence Association offers financial literacy classes, credit coaching, and micro-loans to help victims get back on their financial feet.
The telephone survey included more than 700 people nationwide. More information is available at www.clicktoempower.org.