TakeRoot’s Consumer Justice team recently deepened our work to support survivors of intimate partner violence. This work makes a difference in the life of survivors and clients like Ms. Jordan*, who we helped gain financial independence from her abuser this year. When the relationship turned violent years ago, our client moved out and never spoke to her then-boyfriend again. But she didn’t know that even as she worked hard to build a new life for herself, her ex forged her name on an apartment lease renewal and other documents. This fall, while shopping for a wedding dress with her fiancé, Ms. Jordan learned her bank account had been frozen. She then set out to untangle her personal finances and rid herself of the last vestiges of her abusive ex. TakeRoot Justice had her back; our team got her bank account released and settled her case so she can move on with her life.
Economic abuse is one of many means that abusers use to control and manipulate their partners, often coercing them into extreme debt to maintain control and power. Once a survivor’s credit is ruined, it adds significant challenges in her ability to rebuild her life. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, between 94-99% of domestic violence survivors have also experienced economic abuse. Many programs dedicated to serving survivors rightfully focus on direct aid and other necessities needed to free women from abusive marriages or find safety. Our work is focused specifically on the impact of economic abuse and financially disentangling survivors from abusive relationships.
In 2020 we hope to build on this work, staffing legal clinics in shelters and with community-based partners. Join us with a donation as we stand shoulder to shoulder with survivors of domestic violence, and all who need solidarity in difficult moments.
*Personal details have been changed to protect our client’s identity.
This work has been supported by the New York Bar Foundation.