Stamford, CT – Financial abuse is among the most devastating and prevalent forms of domestic violence. Lack of financial resources, fear of homelessness and sabotaged credit scores can leave victims feeling trapped in dangerous abusive relationships. A new grant awarded to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV) from the Allstate Foundation will provide funds to the Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) to help victims recover from financial abuse and build sustainable economic futures for themselves and their children.
“DVCC has been a leader in working with survivors to help them achieve economic independence and sustainability,” said Linda Blozie, CCADV Director of Training & Prevention. “They are well-positioned to continue building on that work through the use of the Allstate Foundation Moving Ahead Curriculum. We are excited to see all that they will be able to help survivors accomplish!”
As the primary recipient of the grant, CCADV will use the award to grow its Financial Sustainability Project to enhance economic advocacy for domestic violence survivors in Connecticut. DVCC was chosen by CCADV as the grant’s sub-recipient to receive $42,500 in funding for its Housing and Financial Advocacy Program. As part of the grant funding, DVCC will offer clients The Allstate Moving Ahead Curriculum, part of a collaborative partnership between Allstate and the National Network to End Domestic Violence.
“Sadly, many victims will remain in dangerous, abusive relationships because they do not have the resources or have been denied access to financial literacy skills to help them escape the abuse,” said Suzanne Adam, DVCC’s Executive Director.
Lack of financial resources is often cited as the number one reason that victims remain in abusive relationships. Research shows that financial abuse occurs in 99% of all domestic violence cases (NNEDV). Domestic violence is among the leading causes of homelessness among women and children in the U. S. Abusers often use finances to exert power and control over the victim during and after the relationship. Financial abuse tactics may include denying direct access to money, sabotaging victims’ credit scores, or forbidding them to work outside the home. Abusers may also harass victims at work until they are fired or cause them to be evicted by damaging property and behaving violently.
DVCC’s Housing and Financial Advocacy Program, launched in 2014, helps domestic violence victims recover from financial abuse, avoid homelessness, and build sustainable financial futures for themselves and their families. Advocates work alongside victims to create financial wellness and safety plans and connect them with housing resources to secure safe, affordable, permanent housing.
“We are grateful to CCADV and the Allstate Foundation for their generous support,” said Adam. “This funding will allow us to build on the success of our established Housing and Financial Advocacy Program and help more survivors build sustainable economic futures for themselves and their children.”
Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) is here to support individuals on their journey to safety. DVCC advocates for individuals who are experiencing abuse in personal relationships. Our multiple services and professional staff help those experiencing any level of domestic violence and assist them in building a safer environment for the well-being of themselves and their families. All direct services are free and confidential, and all services offered are multicultural/multilingual.
DVCC’s mission is to provide effective services, support and education for the prevention and elimination of domestic violence across the Connecticut communities of Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, New Canaan, Weston, Westport, Wilton, and beyond.
For more information on how to get help, visit DVCCCT.org or call the CT statewide hotline at 800-774-2900.
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