A Process to Identify and Address Barriers to Providing Financial Capability Programming to Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Financial dependence on an abusive partner is a threat to long-term safety for survivors of interpersonal violence. This study piloted a process to identify and address barriers to implementation of financial capability and asset building (FCAB) programming for survivors in one domestic and sexual violence agency. A tiered implementation approach included (a) a participatory diagnostic evaluation with clients (n = 10), staff (n = 10), and stakeholders (n = 3); (b) an expert panel to prioritize the barriers and propose implementation strategies; and (c) the development of a tailored action plan. The formative evaluation identified limited staff financial knowledge, self-efficacy, and incentives as barriers. The tailored action plan included research-tested implementation strategies: (a) conduct ongoing training for staff, (b) identify “champions,” and (c) change the record system. Monitoring and evaluation of the action plan is ongoing; the process provides a replicable method for social service agencies to improve FCAB programming and to ultimately improve economic conditions for clients.