Economic empowerment’s the doorway to escape domestic violence

As we mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month this month, it is important to remember that economic empowerment is a critical solution to domestic violence. Typically, intervention is seen as the solution to domestic violence. However, for many survivors their odyssey doesn’t end with intervention. They face many barriers. Financial and economic stability is the largest barrier to survivors living safe, independent lives. Economic empowerment helps domestic violence survivors overcome that barrier and live independent lives free from violence.

Our advocates frequently hear from survivors “I don’t have the money or resources to leave.” This is reality. Domestic violence is the single largest cause of family homelessness in the U.S. Faced with the choice of a violent household or homelessness survivors unfortunately, often feel forced to return to a violent household. They are trapped in a dangerous situation and their children are at great risk as well.

One in 15 children are exposed to violence at home each year. Abusers very often use finances as a way to keep control of a relationship. According to the U.S. Department of Justice financial abuse is a component of 99 percent of all domestic violence cases. Last year Women In Distress provided a total of 32,556 emergency shelter nights to 2,802 women, men, and children. They had nowhere else to go and be safe.

It isn’t a question of a lack of will. Because of the abuse, survivors often lack educational or vocational skills to find and keep a job. Many lack a high school education or GED. Schooling has taken a back seat to violence. So for many higher education seems out of reach. Lack of education prevents them from finding gainful employment and a safe, independent life. That’s why education is key to transforming lives now and for generations to come.

Take a moment and think about your first job. Think about the first paycheck you got and the satisfaction you felt. Do you recall the feeling of freedom knowing that you were on the road to financial independence? You were economically empowered. Many survivors are not.

That’s why Women In Distress has focused on economic empowerment to help end domestic violence and empower survivors to lead independent lives.

This year Women In Distress partnered with Ultimate Software, Wells Fargo, JM Family Enterprises, Broward College, and other key partners to provide survivors with computer literacy, financial management, workplace skills, and English-as-a-Second Language classes. In the coming year this program will be expanded to include other key areas crucial to long-term financial stability.

Also this year, Women In Distress was proud to announce the creation of The Marti Huizenga Educational Endowment Fund thanks to the generosity of philanthropists Lois and Dennis Doyle. The endowment will further support educational, vocational, and financial training for survivors.

These programs are meant to provide survivors fundamental skills so that they can begin to be financially independent and won’t face the terrible choice of a violent household or homelessness. Instead they can begin to rebuild their lives free from violence.

Intervention, and safety, will always remain paramount. But in order for survivors to lead lives free from domestic violence they must be economically empowered so that they never have to choose between a violent home and homelessness.

Please stand with us this Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Share our 24-hour crisis line with someone you know who needs help. Learn more about our economic empowerment and education initiatives at www.womenindistress.org.