A Double Pandemic: Domestic violence and financial abuse in the age of COVID-19

We can add yet another public health crisis to the toll of COVID-19: domestic violence. Mounting data suggests that violence in the home has increased under the conditions created by the coronavirus pandemic—heightened emotional and financial stress, forced togetherness, and isolation from friends and outside family members. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence reports that 94-99% of domestic violence survivors have also experienced economic abuse, including losing days of paid work, having funds withheld from them, being forced into debt or unemployment, or losing access to safe housing.

Can you recognize the signs of an abusive relationship?

Consumer Action will host a webinar focusing on domestic violence during a crisis, including how to identify and overcome financial abuse. The webinar will be led by attorney Maclen Stanley, who specializes in pursuing claims of sexual assault, sexual harassment and gender discrimination, and Gretchen Shaw, deputy director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Presenters: Maclen Stanley and Gretchen Shaw