According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, financial abuse is a contributing factor in 98 percent of all domestic violence cases. Abusers exert power and control in numerous ways, including limiting or controlling access to financial assets. This dynamic creates forced dependency and entrapment.

In response to this chilling reality, the Allstate Foundation has awarded over $1 million in 11 years to the Kentucky Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Allstate Foundation funds support KCADV’s Economic Empowerment work through 15 domestic violence shelters throughout Kentucky, including Barren River Area Safe Space in Bowling Green.

We recently had the opportunity to work with domestic violence survivors at BRASS. This experience was enlightening to the barriers survivors face to becoming financially self-sufficient and independent. Many victims are disallowed from working, forced to quit a job, or suffer impaired job performance as an effect of ongoing trauma. Abusers may force victims to accrue debt or sign financial documents, or they may make unfavorable financial transactions in the victim’s name.

Last year, the Allstate Foundation’s funding allowed 2,600 survivors to receive individual case management, financial education classes, Individual Development Accounts, micro loans, credit counseling, free tax preparation, and/or housing. Allstate Foundation funding has also helped 115 survivors purchase their own cars, so that they can commute to work or school.

We are grateful to have the opportunity to help survivors in the Bowling Green area navigate the often-daunting financial mainstream. Financial self-sufficiency is necessary to build safe, healthy, and strong communities. We are proud to represent a company like Allstate that is so committed to empowering survivors and ending domestic violence.

John Sells

Richard Gregory

Bowling Green

— Sells is an Allstate insurance agent and Gregory is a personal financial representative with Allstate in Bowling Green.