In acknowledgment of October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Tzedek DC is announcing the launch of an advocacy effort to reform District of Columbia law to better protect survivors of domestic violence who suffered economic abuse.

For many survivors of domestic violence, economic abuse follows. The Bureau of Justice Statistics notes that 85% of all victims of domestic violence are women, and according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, between 94%-99% of all survivors of domestic violence experienced economic abuse.

Economic abuse involves maintaining control over financial resources, withholding access to money, or attempting to prevent a victim or survivor from working and/or attending school to create financial dependence as a means of control. These actions can often result in poor credit for the economically abused partner, and many clients find themselves in a financially disadvantaged position when escaping an abusive relationship.

In addition to poor credit, economic abuse has been found to negatively impact quality of life; increase outstanding debt; increase depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation while lowering self-esteem; and increase the likelihood of food insecurity and mortality.

Tzedek DC will work with directly impacted DC survivors and allied residents as well as legal and social services providers to craft proposed legislation for the District to address economic abuse and better protect survivors’ financial and economic lives.

To get involved in this effort, please contact Tzedek DC’s Policy Director, Melissa Millar, at mm@tzedekdc.org.