by Tehan Dukaye, Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator
Financial abuse or instability can play a major role in sexual violence. When finding ways to prevent sexual abuse, promoting financial independence or support is an often mentioned intervention. How effective is financial empowerment in preventing sexual violence and what can we do the improve economic independence or support for those at risk of experiencing sexual abuse in Maryland?
While Maryland is considered one of the richest states in the country, tens of thousands of Marylanders still face financial hardships. In 2022, of the over 2,360,000 households throughout the state, 1 in 10 households were below the poverty level (United for ALICE, 2024). Another 3 in 10 households did not experience poverty but reported having difficulty affording basic necessities (United for ALICE, 2024). Individuals who face financial instability are also at greater risk of experiencing sexual abuse (PCAR, 2007). The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes poverty and lack of employment opportunities as risk factors for sexual violence (CDC, 2024). Certain groups and populations in Maryland that are vulnerable to sexual violence also face greater economic challenges, including people of color, people with disabilities, and rural communities (Smith et al., 2023).
There are several reasons why poverty or lack of economic support can lead to higher sexual violence rates, especially for women. Individuals who need financial support may seek stability through people or situations that are not safe and may have to endure sexual coercion to secure housing or other basic needs. Vulnerable people may stay in jobs with high exposure to sexual abuse or remain trapped in a violent relationship because they may feel they have no other option to provide for themselves. (PCAR, 2007; Smith et al., 2023). A study backed by the United States Department of Justice found that 73% of those in abusive relationships felt they could not leave because they could not financially support themselves (Bocinski, 2018). Those who survived a violent relationship reported that their abusive partner prevented them from going to school, getting a job, forcing them to drop classes if they were in school, or losing a job (Bocinski, 2018).
But how can those at risk of sexual abuse receive economic support or gain financial independence? Maryland offers different types of financial support and empowerment programs for adolescents and adults such as:
Some Maryland schools also require students to take at least one personal finance or economic education course (CEE, 2024). However, not all Maryland schools provide financial education for students.
While these types of courses can sometimes be easy to access, effectiveness of financial literacy classes has come under question (Hirsch, 2023). More specifically, there are concerns that many who take classes soon forget what they have learned or have trouble understanding what is taught. However, solutions to these problems can include teaching and reinforcing financial literacy at an earlier age and redesigning programs so that they are better tailored to the person or group seeking financial education, rather than rely on a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
Financial institutions, like banks, can also play a role in violence prevention. Large financial companies and smaller community organizations can work together to run effective money, credit and debt management programs as well as offer small, short term loans to those who are eligible but live in communities that suffer higher rates of sexual violence (DCADV, n.d).
Individuals, communities, and organizations should not be alone in this effort. Introduction or improvement of state and local economic policies, like fair pay, better protections against property, financial loss, or fraud (particularly for people facing domestic abuse), and increased job opportunities are also necessary in building economic security. Though working towards financial stability is not always easy, it is still in the best interest for communities and societies to uplift others in need of protection.
If you live in Maryland and are seeking financial support, more information can be found here. If you are a service provider interested in learning more about financial empowerment, the following resources are available:
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Your Money, Your Goals: A financial empowerment toolkit for Social Services programs
LEAD Center
Workforce System and Bank Partnerships
Community Reinvestment Act: FAQ
References
Bocinski, SG. Unable to Leave: Economic Sabotage and Exploitation in Abusive Relationships. 2018. Futures Without Violence. Retrieved January 2025.
Hirsch, P. The care for financial literacy education. 2023. National Public Radio (NPR) Retrieved January 2025, from here.
Economic Justice as Violence Prevention: Fact Sheet. N.d. Delaware Coalition Against Domestic Violence (DCADV). Retrieved January 2025, from here.
Maryland: Overview. 2024. United for ALICE. Retrieved January 2025, from here.
Risk and Protective Factors. 2024. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Retrieved January 2025.
Poverty and Sexual Violence Building Prevention and Intervention Responses. 2007. Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR). Retrieved January 2025, from here.
Smith SG, Khatiwada S, Richardson L, Basile KC, Friar NW, Chen J, Zhang Kudon H, & Leemis RW. The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2016/2017 State Report. Atlanta (GA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control; 2023. Retrieved January 2025, from here.
Survey of the States. 2024. The Council for Economic Education (CEE). Retrieved January 2025, from here.
