Financial Help For Spousal Abuse

A major consideration for a person trying to break away from an abusive spouse is finances, according to National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. An individual desiring to end an abusive marriage worries about how she will make ends meet if she leaves her spouse.

Types

One of the primary types of financial help for victims of spousal abuse aids with paying for housing. A key concern for a person leaving an abusive relationship is ensuring she finds appropriate, safe housing for herself and many times her children. Other types of financial help includes assistance for job training or education, food, utilities, transportation and child care.

Temporary Orders

A key step a person takes to work toward financial stability when leaving an abusive marriage is filing for divorce or legal separation. Through this process, a spouse obtains temporary orders for child support and spousal maintenance in many cases, according to the American Bar Association.

Transitional Housing Programs

Because financial assistance is not always immediately available to a spouse leaving an abusive situation, transitional housing becomes an important consideration. Information about local resources that provide this type of service is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Misconceptions

A common misconception is that little exists in the way of financial help for victims of spousal abuse. The reality is that most communities maintain organizations dedicated to ensuring a victim of domestic abuse transitions to a safe and healthy life, away from the abuser, according to "Finding Your Way Through Domestic Abuse: A Guide to Physical, Emotional, And Spiritual Healing" by Constance Fourre.

Warning

A victim of spousal abuse should never let perceived financial concerns be a reason to stay in an abusive relationship, according to HelpGuide.org. By initially taking advantage of transitional housing services, and following up by accessing other supportive financial resources, a victim can reestablish his life and does not need to remain in a dangerous living situation.

Expert Assistance

Due to the emotional, legal and financial challenges associated with spousal abuse, a person trying to move ahead with her life often is best served hiring an attorney. The American Bar Association provides resources to assist in finding a lawyer. These include contact information for organizations across the United States that provide no-cost legal representation for people unable to afford an attorney.