According to national statistics from NNEDV, financial abuse is present in 99% of abusive relationships. As such, the Coalition and its member programs prioritize addressing survivors’ economic needs in order for them to obtain independence. These efforts are greatly assisted by the AmeriCorps Victim Assistance Program and the program’s concentration on financial literacy services. Member Program advocates and AmeriCorps members provide a range of economic empowerment services to meet survivor needs and help survivors and their families attain economic stability.
Since 2005, the Allstate Foundation has been committed to ending domestic violence through financial empowerment. The Allstate Foundation supports domestic violence programs across the country to provide vital financial empowerment support and resources to survivors. The Coalition has received funding since 2017 for a Matched Savings Program through the Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Moving Ahead Grant Program. The Matched Savings Program provides a tangible resource and incentive to support survivors in their financial savings goals. A partnership with the Bank of NH allows survivors who would otherwise be unable to access banking institutions, such as those on the “unbankable list” or who are undocumented, to access a bank account and savings opportunities. Survivors must be working with an advocate at a local crisis center in order to access this program.
AVAP members provide a wide range of direct victim/survivor advocacy services to best meet the needs of those they serve including: financial literacy services that address barriers to safety and independence, confidential support in person and on the crisis line, support and accompaniment at legal proceedings, hospitals, police departments and social service agencies, support groups, connection to community resources, and outreach and awareness education in communities throughout the state.
Economic empowerment services at Coalition Member Programs include:
Financial literacy services through one-on-one sessions and group workshops
safety planning that integrates financial considerations
Assisting survivors in accessing programs such as the Matched Savings Program and NNEDVs’ Independence Project (a microloan program to support credit building)
Assisting survivors in accessing safe and sustainable employment opportunities as well as accessing or re-entering education/training programs
Providing information and assistance with the victim’s compensation application
Helping survivors apply for financial emergency assistance when appropriate and providing referrals to food assistance, local welfare, TANF, and housing services