Bringing an End to Financial Abuse for Victims of Domestic Violence

Over recent years much has been done to raise awareness about the financial abuse suffered by the elderly and those with disabilities. What is less well known is the abuse and suffering experienced by victims of Domestic Violence. This year, The Haven launches its Financial Inclusion Project with the aim of raising awareness to the issue of financial abuse and bringing an end to the plight and hardship suffered by victims of Domestic Violence.

The Financial Inclusion Project has been established as a result of The Haven’s recognition of increased levels of financial abuse and a general lack of awareness that victims, the general public and financial institutions have on the subject. It seems that whilst many of us are clear on the notion of Domestic Violence being wrong, less of us actually understand what Domestic Violence is and how financial abuse fits into the label of Domestic Violence. As a result The Haven has been awarded funding through the Nationwide Foundation Trust to tackle the problems associated with financial abuse.

Domestic violence encompasses more than physical abuse alone. Domestic violence is an abusive pattern of behaviours which may include sexual, emotional and financial abuse. Financial abuse is the least recognised of these behaviours and centers around an abuser taking control over their partners’ finances, and/or bullying a partner into taking credit out in their name. Women who have been victims of financial control may not initially recognise that they are/have been a victim of Domestic Violence. The recent economic downturn has resulted in an increase in the number of women experiencing financial abuse and has also made it more financially difficult for women to leave abusive relationships.

Through the Financial Inclusion Project The Haven aims to provide holistic support for women experiencing financial abuse.  Debt and money management services will be offered in conjunction with assistance with claiming benefits. Training and workshops on financial and life skills will also be available to educate women on benefits, savings, credit and budgeting to help them make informed choices about future finances. In addition the project aims to raise awareness about the impact of debt and financial abuse to organisations to help alleviate the suffering experienced by victims.

The Financial Inclusion Project brings with it new skills to the organisation. Melloney Brown has been appointed the Coordinator of the project and has several years of specialist experience in financial inclusion working previously as a debt and housing specialist for the Citizens Advice Bureau. Other members of the team include Nicky Clarke who has been appointed as Financial Support Officer offering support for women in accessing and applying for small individual grants; Lerlene Cork, Welfare Benefits and Debt Officer, and Amit Kajla, Housing Administrative Assistant. We are also supported by Natwest through their Moneysense scheme.

To contact members of the Financial Inclusion team please call 01902 572140 or write to info@havenrefuge.org.uk for more information.