Financial education support for individuals who have experienced domestic violence
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact our Domestic Violence Program at 800.208.0388.
If you are contacting your Advocate directly and do not reach them, please leave a detailed message with good contact information and someone should return your call within 24 hours.
Lack of economic resources is one of the most significant barriers for victims in abusive relationships. Victims face economic abuse including, but not limited to, identity theft, credit fraud, and employment sabotage. Waypoint partners with the Iowa Coalition Against Domestic Violence (ICADV) to strengthen victim and survivor's financial capabilities through financial literacy training and asset building opportunities using The Allstate Foundation Purple Purse Moving Ahead Curriculum. This five-module program has been academically validated to help domestic violence survivors move from short-term safety to long-term security.
Tactics of financial abuse:
- Stealing money from you or your family
- Forcing you to give access to your money or financial accounts
- Making all the household or financial decisions without consulting or including you
- Forbidding you to work or attend educational opportunities
- Overuse of credit cards or other lines of credit
- Refusing to pay bills or help support the family
- Preventing you from obtaining or using credit cards
- Withholding physical resources (food, clothing, medications)
- Interfering with a performance at work with frequent phone calls, emails, texts or visits
Waypoint offers Financial Literacy Courses where you will learn:
Module 1: Understanding Financial Abuse
Module 2: Learning Financial Fundamentals
Module 3: Mastering Credit Basics
Module 4: Building Financial Foundations
Module 5: Long-Term Planning
Incentives are currently available:
- Up to $125 in financial incentives will be available to survivors who complete classes.
- Participants will be eligible to enroll in an IDA Match Savings Account (IDA: individual development account) upon class completion.
- Participants will have the potential to receive a match of up to $500 for their savings account after 6 months.
Registration is required. Contact Emily at 319.310.2898 to register or for more information.
Contact Waypoint for free, confidential services
If you or someone you know is experiencing any form of domestic or dating violence, Waypoint's Victim Advocates are available 24/7 through the Resource & Support Line at 800.208.0388. You deserve to be heard, and Waypoint is here to help.