Filling in a Gap
In developing our curriculum, we researched several existing models of financial education tailored to victims of domestic abuse. While there are a good number of valuable financial literacy resources available to survivors, both our research and the feedback from our partner organizations suggest that these programs often lack the trauma-informed approach shown to especially benefit survivors and other vulnerable populations.
A lack of financial know-how isn't the only obstacle to overcome in the pursuit of economic independence and well-being. Some of the obstacles impeding this pursuit are emotional and psychological, such as the feelings of shame and disempowerment that result from the experience of chronic poverty and/or financial abuse.
The need for trauma-informed financial education has been one of the most important lessons learned during our efforts to develop our economic empowerment curriculum.
Our project aims to fill this gap by helping service providers, financial educators, and other advocates understand the role that trauma plays in victims' relationship to money and the ways in which trauma can undercut the ability to achieve financial wellness.
Additionally, our training introduces a number of promising strategies and resources that can help advocates and service providers fill this gap.
An Economic Justice Framework
When seeking financial wellness, many survivors are faced with difficult obstacles imposed by our economic system. Our project seeks to raise awareness of the fact that many times what’s broken isn’t the person, but the economic structures in which our clients are expected to operate.
