Survivors Recovery Fund

Survivors in abusive relationships need financial resources to get and stay safe.

- Partner violence often results in a dramatic loss of income for survivors, who are coping with the impact of emotional, physical, and/or financial abuse. Loss of income may be due to expenses associated with injury from abuse, safety planning, and/or violence-induced employment instability.
- Practical experience tells us that survivors remain in abusive relationships longer or return to the abuser more often if they cannot provide for their basic daily living needs or those of their children.
- Partner violence is consistently recognized as a major contributor to financial instability and homelessness.
- Creating opportunities for survivors to save money expands survivors’ options for physical safety.

Stories of Recovery:

  Maria runs a small business, working 12-hour days while also raising two children. It is her business in all but name – the business is owned by her abuser, who comes in daily to take the store's profits, leaving her unable to save any money. An immigrant, Maria wants to take courses at a local community college to learn English and expand her professional opportunities. Thanks to a 12-month Match My Savings grant from the Survivor Recovery Fund (SRF), Maria has been saving $50/month and receives $100/month in matched savings from SRF. At the end of the match period, Maria will have a total of $1,800 in funds for a future that includes English classes as well as increased options for safety and financial stability.

  Sarah received a 4-month Match My Savings grant from SRF. With the help of the Fund, Sarah was able to move from a domestic violence shelter to an apartment with her young children.
  
  Quinn recently left an abusive relationship and was struggling financially. While Quinn had a job prospect, they had no transportation. Quinn received a $500 Now grant from SRF for a down payment on a car and is now driving to and from work.


Your contribution to the Survivors Recovery Fund will help survivors create savings, pursue self-identified goals, and cover essential expenses. Help survivors recover from abusive relationships and re-build new lives. THANK YOU!

For more information about the Economic Security Initiative for Survivors of Domestic and Sexual Violence in Western MA, please visit: http://economicsecurityforsurvivors.weebly.com/