Escaping Abuse

Lesson 3: Making The Break For Good

Financial Education

One of the reasons why a victim of abuse doesn't leave an abusive relationship is because of financial expenses. The thought of making it on their own and supporting their children seems impossible especially if the victim (mother) is a stay-at-home mom and has no working experience or job.

The first thing to do is get in touch with your local Department of Social Services. They are there to help. Everyone's situation is different, some may own homes and cars, and others might rent and not have to worry about dividing property. Whatever your situation is, figure out your assets and liabilities. This will help you to figure out what you could afford and what you need to do in order to survive financially.

MONTHLY EXPENSES: Figure out what you make monthly and what your expense are.

Rent/Mortgage:

Groceries:

Telephone:

Electricity:

Heat:

Water:

Cable:

Clothes:

Transportation:

Entertainment:

Child Care:

Insurance (car and health):

Doctor Bills:

Credit card payments:

Miscellaneous (gift's, holidays, vacations):

Savings Account:

BASED ON A FAMILY OF THREE: EXAMPLE WITHOUT GOVERNMENT HELP:

Monthly income: $1,000

Rent or Mortgage: $500.00

Food: $200.00 a month

Telephone: $30.00 a month

Heat(oil): $100.00 a month

Electric: $100.00 a month

Transportation (gas, taxi, etc.): $40.00 a month

Miscellaneous: $30.00 a month

EXAMPLE WITH HELP: Grants depend on the state and how many people are in the family.

Monthly income: $1,000.00

Rent or Mortgage: $500.00

Food: Food Stamps

Telephone: $30.00 a month

Heat (oil): $100.00 a month

Electric: $100.00 a month

Transportation (gas, taxi, etc.): $40.00 a month

Health Insurance: Medicaid

Savings Account: $100.00 a month

Miscellaneous: $130.00 month

NOTE: Of course, the $230.00 combined between the savings account and miscellaneous could be divided towards more bills. Everyone's bills are different. This is an example only.

Qualification for Government help is determined by your income, and how many people are in your household.

Rent and utilities differ in each state. Some rentals include utilities and some states differ with billing.

There are many charities and services that provide material needs for those in need. Take the time to find these charities in your area:

Salvation Army: http://www.redshield.org/

Community Kitchen

Helping Hand

Catholic Charities: http://www.catholiccharitiesinfo.org/

Thrift Shops

Church Yard Sales

Outreach Centers

Planned Parenthood

WIC: Woman Child and Infant - http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/. This program provides milk, cheese, bread, cereal, peanut butter, and other essentials.

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