WALK WITH US
When asked whether they would prefer to meet a man or a bear, while walking in the woods, most women said… the bear.
When 54% of women in America experience contact sexual violence and 47% suffer from Domestic Violence/Intimate Partner Violence, this eye-opening admission isn’t a surprise.
Taken together with the facts that many women stay with abusive partners due to economic abuse and that up to 99% of domestic violence includes economic abuse, this ongoing status quo is unacceptable. Especially in a country that prides itself as the land of the free.
At Community Financial, we say enough is enough. As a not-for-profit credit union created to improve the lives of our local communities, to stand with people in the bright spots, the dark moments, and all the harried vibrations in between, we’re dedicating ourselves to helping women escape economic abuse and regain the promise of freedom that this country was founded on.
Changing their trajectory and improving their outcomes for the better.
Life’s true currency is love. And, together, we can change things for the better.
Walk with us. Choose The Bear™. Because the bear can help.
Digital Safety Tips
Protect yourself! To minimize the chances of someone knowing that you are researching information about domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, follow these tips.
Resources for Help
Alert! If you are in immediate danger dial 911.
211 – National Hotline for Essential Community Services
Dial 211 to be referred, and sometimes connected to, appropriate local agencies and community organizations. 211 is supported by local chapters of The United Way.
MCEDSV Michigan Domestic Violence Hotline
mcedsv.org | Michigan Domestic Violence Hotline (1-866-864-2338)
The State of Michigan VOICEDV hotline offers free and confidential 24-hour phone, text, and chat features around domestic violence and teen dating violence. As well as identify and refer to local county-level assistance. Tap to find your local providers here.
MCEDSV Michigan Sexual Assault Hotline
mcedsv.org | Michigan Sexual Assault Hotline (1-855-864-2374)
The State of Michigan Sexual Assault Voices 4 hotline offers 24/7 free and confidential support around sexual harassment, abuse, and assault. As well as identify and refer to local county-level assistance. Tap to find your local providers here.
First Step – Wayne County (734-722-6800)
firststep-mi.org | A free and confidential non-profit agency providing comprehensive services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence in Wayne County. 24-hour helpline available at: (734) 722-6800
Hope Shore Alliance – Alcona, Alpine, Iosco, Montmorency & Presque Isle (1-800-396-9129)
hopeshores.org | Offering a 24/7/365 help and support line and tailored services including: counseling, emergency shelter, thrift store and compassionate education, advocacy and support.
HAVEN – Oakland County (1-877-922-1274)
haven-oakland.org | Oakland County’s only comprehensive program for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. HAVEN provides shelter, counseling and advocacy. 24-hour crisis & support line available at: (248) 334-1274. Toll-free crisis line at: (877) 922-1274.
Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (800-275-1995)
wrcnm.org | Serving abuse and sexual assault survivors in northern Michigan at no cost. Reach the 24-hour help and information line at (800) 275-1995 or (231) 347-0082.
River House – Crawford, Ogemaw, Oscoda & Roscommon Counties (989-348-3169)
riverhouseinc.org | A nonprofit agency that serves survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in four northern Michigan counties. Based in Grayling, advocates travel to meet with survivors. Crisis line available at: (248) 334-1274.
StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483)
strongheartshelpline.org | A 24/7 confidential and anonymous culturally-appropriate domestic and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans. StrongHearts advocates offer many support services at no cost.
National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233)
thehotline.org | Highly-trained, expert advocates that offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, crisis intervention information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages. 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
1 in 2
women
have reported contact sexual violence.
1
1 in 2
women
suffer Intimate Partner Violence.
2
The Economic
Trajectory
of SA and IPV/DV survivors is negatively affected by abuse.
3, 4, 5
Economic Abuse Awareness
Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse where one partner controls the other’s access to money and resources, making them financially dependent and unable to leave. This can involve controlling bank accounts, threatening or restricting access to funds, preventing work or education, making unilateral money decisions without mutual agreement, opening accounts in the survivor’s name without their knowledge, and accumulating debts in the survivor’s name. It traps the abused in the relationship, leaving them isolated and helpless. Recognizing and addressing economic abuse is essential to help survivors regain their independence and rebuild their lives. If this sounds like you or a loved one, we can help. See below or call the Community Financial Care Center at (877) 937-2328 to learn how.
If you believe that you are in an economically abusive relationship, consider these steps:
- Confide in a trusted friend or family member for support.
- Contact local domestic violence organizations for advice and local resources.
- Save small amounts of money if possible.
- Gather important documents like IDs and bank statements.
- Create a safety plan and seek professional advice to regain your independence.
For a more comprehensive breakdown visit First Step or see below to find a local advocate who can truly help support and guide you based on the needs of your specific situation.
Symptoms can look very different based on the situation and no single symptom may be a sure sign, however there are red flags that offer clues to economic abuse, like:
- Reluctance to speak freely about money matters or other relationship cues.
- They appear not to have clear knowledge of their own finances.
- They dodge or shut down communications around certain things, especially money.
- Multiple bank account holders, where someone doesn’t appear in control of their accounts.
- Unusual banking activity and withdrawal patterns, including frequent overdrafts or requests for unusual transactions.
- Anything that triggers a gut reaction that something isn’t right here.
If you feel someone you care about is suffering from economic abuse, tap to learn more about how to confidentially offer help from First Step.
To learn steps to help secure your financial identity and info online in the face of financial abuse, visit techsafety.org
Abusive situations MUST be handled delicately and CONFIDENTIALLY. Listen without judgement, believe their experiences, and provide reassurance. Help them explore resources, like local domestic violence or sexual assault organizations, financial assistance, and legal advice. Encourage them to save small amounts of money and secure important documents. Because early intervention and your support can make a significant difference in helping them regain their independence and safety. Not to mention a better financial outcome for the rest of their lives.
Ready to help? Tap to learn more about how to confidentially offer help from First Step and see below for your local advocate resource who can advise you. Or reach out to us at (877) 937-2328 to learn more about financial support options from Community Financial.
94-99%
of domestic violence survivors have also experienced economic abuse.
6
3 in 4
say they stayed with their abusive partners longer because of economic abuse.
7
$3.1 to $3.6
Trillion
The economic burden of the SA and IPV/DV survivor population over their lifetimes.
8, 9
Path to Recovery
Create your personalized strategy to stay safe and respond to danger. It includes reaching out to a local violence resource for support, identifying safe areas in your home, collecting emergency contacts, setting aside a hidden bag with essentials, creating a financial safety plan and cash access, including opening a bank account in your own name, determining next steps after exit and planning how to leave safely if needed. Learn more about safety planning here:
Saving up money is crucial for leaving a domestic violence situation. Having your own funds can provide the financial independence needed to secure safe housing, transportation, and basic necessities. Savings accounts with higher yield APYs can also help protect and grow that money faster, passively. Even setting aside small amounts can make a big difference in helping you regain control and take steps toward a safer future.
Because every little bit helps, take steps to help improve your cashflow by limiting unexpected drains on your cash balance, like overdraft and non-sufficient funds fees, and increasing incoming funds through tools like high-yield savings accounts. Especially look for accounts that don’t require fees or minimum balances to protect your funds.
As economic abuse tends to damage the survivor’s credit rating, it’s important to understand how to safely repair your credit and begin to establish a solid foundation for a successful and independent future. Seek professional, confidential advice.
Repairing your credit after exiting a financial abuse situation is vital for rebuilding your independence and achieving long-term stability. Good credit is essential for securing housing, loans, and other financial opportunities. Start by reviewing your credit report, disputing any inaccuracies, and gradually rebuilding your credit through responsible use of credit cards and timely bill payments. Some institutions may offer specific tools, like microloans, to help intentionally rebuild credit.
If you are in a domestic violence situation, specific domestic violence or domestic abuse loans designed to help you gain stable footing and make your exit with cash in hand can be helpful. These types of loans are usually by referral only and not public.
How Choosing The Bear™ Can Help
Since 2021, Community Financial and the Relentless Care Foundation have contributed or committed over $107,250 to organizations and programs working to support survivors escaping sexual or domestic violence. Choose The Bear™ is the next evolution of our commitment to doing good for our communities. Which is why we’re proud to offer a number of potential financial lifelines to help survivors pivot their economic outlooks for the better.
"Community Financial is a partner to First Step in the truest sense of the word. Yes, they are financial contributors and volunteers, but also so much more. They ideate, create new offerings for our clients, support the needs of our staff, and do the tough work of bringing the impacts of domestic violence and intimate partner violence to light. We’re grateful for their courage and heart, and are proud to walk alongside them."
—Lori Kitchen-Bushel, Executive Director, First Step
CloseEnuff™ Checking
A new cash flow boosting checking account that eliminates unexpected fees with an automatic $50 overdraft buffer. If you accidentally spend over your balance by up to $50, that’s CloseEnuff™. We won’t charge you. Free to use and only $5 to open with no minimum balance.
Learn more >
Buy Now. Pay Later
Switch big purchases to easier to handle payments right from our digital banking app and website. Even up to 60 days after the buy. Available with a CloseEnuff™ account.
Learn more >
Early Pay
Avoid scraping through until payday. Get your paycheck up to two days earlier with this free service. Available with a CloseEnuff™ account.
Learn more >
High Yield Savings Accounts
Save up your money faster with a no-fee High Yield Savings account that provides boosted APY on small balances.
Learn more >
CDs and IRAs
Certificates of Deposit and IRAs can be a “set it and forget it” way to save up over time. How much you can earn depends on the amount, term, and rate.
Learn more >
Emergence Credit Card
An easily accessible emergency credit card automatically approved for up to a $500 limit. Approved regardless of credit rating, no previous credit needed. No monthly, annual or transactions fees.
Learn more >
Grow Your Change
Save automatically with everyday purchases on a Community Financial Debit Card. We’ll round up the amount of daily transactions to the nearest whole dollar and transfer that change from your checking account to your Grow Your Change savings.
Learn more >
Domestic Violence Support Loans
At Community Financial, we are committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence. In partnership with First Step, we are offering a special loan program designed to help survivors gain stable footing and transition to a safer environment. This program is currently available by referral through First Step in Michigan.
We plan to extend this program to more partners in the near future to reach and support more survivors. Stay tuned to this page for more updates.
First Step Hotline
Community Financial Credit Union team members assisting you are not medical or mental health professionals but will connect you with available resources. For assistance contact the professionals at First Step’s 24-hour helpline at 734.722.6800.
What to expect when you connect with us
We are here to provide confidential, compassionate financial support and tools for abuse survivors looking to exit their current situation and regain independence. We will listen to your story. We will work with you to understand your situation and your needs. We will refer you to local advocates and supportive providers. We will work to provide the services that make the most sense for your plan. And, in many communities, we’re right around the corner. Call our Community Financial Care Center at (877) 937-2328 to learn more and get started.
How to safely get started
Connect with your local support resource
See above or tap to find your local providers here. Trained, experienced, confidential providers can help guide you through the process and provide resources to help, often at no charge.
Connect with Community Financial
Call our Community Financial Care Center at (877) 937-2328 to learn how to set up an account and learn more about financial services that can help you make your way to a safer, independent future.
We are constantly evolving to continue better serving our community members in need. If we’ve helped you achieve your financial independence, please reach out so that we can learn from your experience to keep improving our services and help more people in our communities.
Future Services & Support
We are actively working with our domestic abuse and sexual assault resource partners to activate new services to help women regain their financial independence. Here are just a few things we’re developing currently, but please watch this space for more.
At Community Financial, we are committed to supporting survivors of domestic violence. In partnership with First Step, we are offering a special loan program designed to help survivors gain stable footing and transition to a safer environment. This program is currently available by referral through First Step in Michigan.
We plan to extend this program to more partners in the near future to reach and support more survivors. Stay tuned to this page for more updates.
Statistics
1: https://www.cdc.gov/nisvs/documentation/nisvsReportonSexualViolence.pdf
2: https://www.cdc.gov/nisvs/documentation/NISVSReportonIPV_2022.pdf
3: a href=”https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0886260514554291
4: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28153649/
5: https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797%2818%2931904-4/abstract#:~:text=Results,U.S.%20adults%20with%20victimization%20history
6: https://www.ocadsv.org/resources/financial-and-economic-abuse/#:~:text=In%20some%20cases%2C%20financial%20abuse,or%20has%20left%20the%20relationship.&text=Between%2094%2D99%25%20of%20domestic,have%20also%20experienced%20economic%20abuse.
7: https://www.thehotline.org/resources/your-credit-score-could-save-your-life/
8: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28153649/
9: https://www.ajpmonline.org/article/S0749-3797%2818%2931904-4/abstract#:~:text=Results,U.S.%20adults%20with%20victimization%20history
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