Quick Guide for Advocates
A short guide for advocates to use when working with survivors of economic abuse and financial trauma.
Information about financial trauma and its impacts not only helps advocates help those who have experienced financial abuse or economic trauma. This information may also help individuals understand their reactions, increase their self-compassion, and heal their own relationship with money.
quick guide infographic (.pdf)
A Quick Guide to Helping Victims of Economic Trauma & Abuse
EDUCATE & NORMALIZE
Normalize responses to traumatic situations, raise awareness about financial trauma, and be cognizant of the detrimental effects of shame.
HELP LABEL FEELINGS & KNOW YOUR MONEY STORY
Help clients identify feelings and encourage mindfulness practices. Help them get to know their money story and support their search for the root of their financial trauma.
TRY NOT TO JUDGE
Consider how certain behaviors and beliefs may be reasonable responses to trauma. Instead of thinking "what is wrong with this person?", ask yourself: "What happened to this person?".
ACKNOWLEDGE DIFFICULTY OF TALKING ABOUT MONEY
Use reassuring language. For example: "this is a sensitive topic", "there is no judgement here," "this is a safe space." Reiterate often.
EXAMINE POWER ISSUES
Ask yourself, "whose needs are being served?", "are policies empowering those being served or those providing the service?”.
AFFIRM THE CLIENT’S AUTONOMY
Advocates should offer respect, not rescue; Advocates should provide options, not orders; Advocates should provide safe advocacy and treatment, rather than re-victimization.
ACKNOWLEDGE THEIR RESILIENCE
Acknowledge the client’s ability to survive and even grow from adversity.
YOU DON’T HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS
… But can still help them get the information they need. Make an appropriate referral and emphasize that they’re not wrong for coming to you with this.
YOU ARE MORE THAN YOUR TRAUMA
Focus on the fact that it is possible to learn, grow, and achieve financial wellness little by little.
