Efforts underway to stem financial abuse from domestic violence

MONTPELIER, Vt. (WCAX) – State leaders are launching a new program to help victims and survivors of domestic abuse regain their financial independence, part of a larger effort to create safer communities.

Domestic abuse isn’t always visible and experts say sometimes it also involves partners’ finances. That can include withholding part of a paycheck, racking up car mileage, forcing someone to co-sign loans, or paying for hotel rooms to escape physical violence. Advocates say this usually ends up with people maxing out credit cards and losing the ability to take out any kind of loan.

“These credit scores haunt survivors as they seek housing or apply for new financial products while they try to reassemble the pieces of their lives,” said Ari Menard with Circle Vermont.

Vermont lawmakers are looking at a bill to stem coercive controlling behavior and abuse prevention orders.

It comes as other groups are also highlighting an initiative to get at the heart of financial abuse. The Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, M&T Bank, and 15 nonprofits will provide $100,000 over the next four years to provide financial literacy training to help people leaving abusive situations make ends meet and plan for the future. “This will help us train those advocates to help folks in addition to the work they are doing to help them have conversations around financial literacy and financial security,” said the network’s Karen Tronsgard-Scott.

It’s part of a larger effort to address abuse at home and public safety in Vermont communities. According to the Vermont Attorney General’s Office, nearly half of the 400 homicides in the last 20 years have been related to domestic violence. Last year’s numbers were down, but state lawmakers say that the problem persists.

The Vermont House last year passed a bill making it easier for victims of coercive and controlling behavior to seek a relief from abuse order. “Anytime we can expand the options that people have, the autonomy and the agency that people have, I think we are moving in the right direction,” said Rep. Angela Arsenault, D-Williston.

Governor Phil Scott, who signed a proclamation Tuesday to raise awareness about domestic violence, says it’s an issue that needs to be in the spotlight. “This isn’t a partisan issue, ” Scott said, “it’s a moral issue and it’s something that we should pay attention to.”

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic assault, there is support available.