Decriminalizing Domestic Violence. Leigh Goodmark

able to withdraw money from their IDAs made women feel that they had options if their relationships turned violent. As Ella explained, “It makes me feel strong enough to have something that somebody cannot take away from me . . . where I can stand up and walk away.”⁵⁶ Moreover, having savings made women feel more stable because they would not need to rely on their partners economically and would be able to secure housing and other necessities.

      At least one financial literacy program puts resources directly into the hands of women subjected to abuse. The Kentucky Coalition against Domestic Violence’s Economic Empowerment program coupled financial education and IDAs with credit counseling and microloans. Upon completion of the program, participants were more likely to use a budget, check their credit score, save money, and decrease household debts. Homelessness declined significantly among participants in the program, and women reported being better able to meet their basic living and health-care needs. Average monthly income and savings also increased among participants.⁵⁷