VAWnet resources: economic abuse; forced marriage; adults exposed to childhood violence

In 2016, the US National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women (VAWnet) has updated or published new online resources on a range of topics.

These include: recovering from economic abuse; forced marriage; and supporting adults who were exposed to domestic violence in childhood to prevent suicide.

VAWnet resources include special Collections, applied research papers, and technical assistance guidance.

Building Credit and Assets: Helping Survivors Recover from Economic Abuse

This special collection of online resources provides an overview of options for victims of abuse to regain control of their finances and overcome poverty. The collection includes information about credit, asset building and individual development accounts. While some of the information is specific to US policy and legislation, there are a number of resources providing general information including discussion papers, consumer handouts, recorded webinars and curriculums. 

The Intersectionality of Forced Marriage with Other Forms of Abuse in the United States

This applied research paper provides information and research on forced marriage in the United States and its intersections with child abuse, sexual assault and rape, domestic and family violence, stalking, female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C), and human trafficking. It says the research demonstrates that forced marriage is a serious but neglected problem in the United States, and despite many advocates’ best efforts, survivors of forced marriage and those at risk continue to fall through the cracks of the systems and programs set up to protect individuals from abuse. 

Responding to the Long-term Needs of Adult Children Exposed to Domestic Violence: Exploring the connection to suicide risk

This 10 page technical assistance guide looks at the link between exposure to domestic violence in childhood and the risk for suicide in adulthood. The paper provides a brief introduction to the negative impacts of childhood exposure to domestic violence with a focus on the link to suicide in adulthood. The paper offers recommendations for meeting the needs of adults who have been exposed to violence in childhood with a focus on protective factors and resilience.

For more information and resources about the link between suicide and childhood exposure to domestic violence see the recent NZFVC story Inquest into youth suicides finds exposure to family violence.

Related Media

Suicides come after people slip through cracks - study, Radio NZ, 02.06.2016

Indigenous solutions sought to combat suicide, Radio NZ, 01.06.2016