Financial control is used by domestic abusers to gain power in a relationship.

 

It is a tactic that controls a victim’s ability to maintain monetary independence. Those who are victimized financially may be prevented from working and may have their own money restricted or stolen by the manipulator.

 

As CEO of Warren Village, a Denver-based organization that offers transitional housing for single-parent families who are experiencing homelessness or are unstably housed, I want to take this opportunity to talk about ways our nonprofit helps those coping with the aftereffects of living in an abusive relationship.

 

Denver has had 1,651 domestic violence crimes reported so far this year, an average of 169.6 per month. Each of these cases represent a victim living in fear and financial insecurity.

Claire was one such case who lived in our 92-apartment housing facility on Gilpin Street for two years.

 

Prior to her stay at Warren Village, Claire experienced domestic violence for seven-and-a-half years. Eventually, she was determined to find a place where she could excel as a student and as a mother. So she made the difficult decision to leave the abusive situation with her young son, and here at Warren Village, she felt safe and comforted from being around other single parents facing similar challenges.

 

Claire graduated from Colorado State University with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 2011.

 

Claire’s success story illustrates how the counseling work of our staff supports people who are often dealing with such traumatic and controlling behavior.

 

Our Family Services staff focuses on financial independence with residents who have experienced domestic violence. They work with them to find jobs that pay a living wage.

 

Warren Village is a nonprofit and we always need your help to support the families who come to our facilities so we can continue providing safe, consistent and affordable housing for people such as Claire.

 

So whether you are interested in rolling up your sleeves and volunteering, making a monetary donation, or attending, sponsoring, or hosting an event, your contribution is more than a gift. It is an investment in our community as a whole.

Choose to support Warren Village this Colorado Gives day on Dec. 6.