Honoring the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Today marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and my heart feels heavy with the weight of its significance. For many of us, violence against women isn’t just a headline or a distant concern—it’s a harsh reality that touches the lives of those we love and care for.
The women in my life have faced violence—not just themselves, but also those they hold dear. And while this day serves as an important reminder of the widespread issue, it also reflects an undeniable truth: violence against women is pervasive and continues to affect women across all walks of life.
Yet, as common as this violence is, it is rarely talked about openly. Women often remain silent, even within their own families or circles of close friends. When we do speak out, it begins with hushed voices and knowing glances—silent acknowledgments of something too painful to fully express. For many, it takes years before these whispers evolve into full-fledged conversations, if they ever do.
The darkness of violence can feel all-encompassing, and speaking out about it often brings with it an overwhelming sense of shame and fear.
But today, on this important occasion, and during Financial Literacy Month, I want to shed light on a particular form of abuse that often remains hidden in the shadows: financial violence against women.
What is Financial Abuse?
Financial abuse, also known as economic abuse, occurs when one partner manipulates or controls the other's access to money and financial resources. This type of abuse often diminishes the victim's ability to support themselves, forcing them into a state of dependency and limiting their freedom. As a result, many women find themselves trapped in unhealthy relationships, unable to break free.
As the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence explains:
“Financial/economic abuse is when one intimate partner has control over the other partner’s ability to access, acquire, use, or maintain economic resources, which diminishes the victim’s capacity to support themselves and forces intentional dependence. Economic abuse is cited as the main reason victims stay or return to abusive relationships.”
Read more about financial abuse here
Financial abuse isn’t bound by age, race, socioeconomic status, or background. It affects women across all demographics—rich, poor, young, and old. It is a human issue, and it’s far more common than we may realize.
What Can We Do?
The first step in combating this form of abuse is education. We need to empower ourselves and others to understand the financial tools and resources available to us. It’s not just about learning to budget—it’s about becoming financially literate so we can make informed, independent choices.
We can start by:
- Reviewing our bank statements with a discerning eye.
- Educating ourselves through books, webinars, and consultations with financial professionals.
- Surrounding ourselves with people who talk openly about financial independence, budgeting, and personal finance.
But education isn’t just about personal empowerment—it’s about creating a collective shift in how we understand financial abuse and empowering others to take control of their financial futures.
Empowering women to understand their finances isn’t just about protecting them—it’s about changing the world. When women can make their own financial decisions, they can break free from abusive cycles, support themselves and their families, and contribute to stronger, healthier communities.
This is how we heal—one conversation at a time.
On this day, I urge you to reflect on the women in your life. If you recognize signs of financial abuse or any form of violence, start the conversation. Be the voice that starts the whispers, the looks of understanding, and ultimately, the movement that ends this cycle of violence.
Together, we can make change happen. We can eliminate violence, one empowered woman at a time.