How can a victim of domestic abuse protect themselves financially?

In the state of Virginia, a victim of domestic abuse can protect themselves financially in a few different ways. The first step is to contact a domestic violence hotline or a legal aid provider. Doing so will provide the victim with resources and legal advice regarding their specific circumstances. Legal aid providers can help victims to apply for temporary spousal or child support, establish a protective order, or help the victim to file for divorce. Victims can also consider filing a lawsuit or applying for a civil protection order. A lawsuit can help to recover any money or possessions taken from the victim by their abuser and a civil protection order can protect the victim from further harm. A victim can also seek to protect their financial rights by filing for bankruptcy. Bankruptcy can help to discharge or restructure past or current debts and can provide protection from aggressive debt collection practices. Furthermore, victims can take steps to close any joint accounts and to open new, separate bank accounts in their own name. They can also obtain a new credit card and apply for a new loan in their own name. Finally, victims should keep copies of all financial records including bank statements, credit card statements, pay stubs, tax returns, and loan agreements. These documents can be used as evidence should a victim need to take legal action against their abuser.

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How can a victim of domestic abuse protect themselves financially?

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