Financial Protection

There are things you need to do in the midst of domestic violence to secure your financial protection and future.

Domestic violence is about total control... that includes your finances. It is important to think about protecting your finances now, so that you can stand on your own in the future.

I recommend that you close all but one credit card that is in your name. If your abuser is a user on your credit card account remove them from the account... if you can do it safely. Otherwise, find a credit card promotion in your abuser's name with better benefits and interest rates. Suggest opening this new account and transferring the balance of the old credit card. Explain the added benefits, money saved, to your abuser.

Do not sign for anything financial; leases, credit card, bank loans, auto loans that will be used, or accessed by your abuser.

If possible, set up a separate account in your name alone that you can hold emergency funds in. You will need some funds for expenses if you decide to leave. Set the account up with rights of survivorship to your children, or parents. Have your bank statements set up to be accessed on-line if possible. Otherwise, have your statements mailed to a family member, or friends address. Make sure that you notify the person receiving the statements that they are coming and to keep them private for your protection.

Make sure you have your documents for an emergency. organized so that you have all of the financial records together in case you have to leave in a hurry.

Try hard to get your name off as much debt as possible.

Go to Protection Tips from Financial Protection
Go to surviving-domestic-violence.org