Redevelopment Opportunities for Women’s Economic Action Program (REAP) focuses on promoting economic development and increasing economic security for women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Services include a 12 hour comprehensive economic education and credit counseling program to create awareness of and control over financial opportunities and choices; an Individual Development Account (IDA) matched savings program designed to help low-income battered women purchase assets (e.g. a home, a small business, an education, a vehicle); and economic advocacy and support services. Few women who experience IPV, especially those who are poor, have the economic resources necessary to live independently. An important reason for remaining with or returning to an abusive partner is economic dependence. Additionally, battered women are commonly isolated from financial resources lacking ready access to cash, checking accounts, or charge accounts. Understanding and creating strategies that address financial well-being is essential to addressing the issue of domestic violence.
Citation
Sanders, C. K. (2007). Domestic violence, economic abuse, and implications of a program for building economic resources for low-income women: Findings from interviews with participants in a women’s economic action program (CSD Research Report No. 07-12). St. Louis, MO: Washington University, Center for Social Development.