One form of domestic violence is economical abuse. Too often abusers refuse to share money with the victim, control all of the money, and do not allow the victim to have a job. Abusers also deny the victim access to money or the means of obtaining it, to the point that she is entirely dependent on the abuser for food, clothing and shelter. Another act of power and control over the victim is forbidding her from maintaining a personal bank account.
Helping victims of domestic violence gain employment will give them financial independence. According to a study conducted by the National Network to End Domestic Violence, domestic violence victims often cite lack of employment and financial security as barriers to leaving an abusive relationship. Many abusers control the relationship by limiting the victim’s access to financial resources and employment. Too often victims must choose between staying in an abusive relationship or facing economic hardship when leaving.
Currently, Hubbard House victim advocates (case managers) serving shelter and outreach clients are limited with their time and are unable to devote enough resources to helping clients research job opportunities, create strong resumes, apply for jobs, prepare for interviews by practicing interview questions or provide assistance with dressing appropriately for interviews. It is our desire to have a person dedicated to helping women establish careers which will help empower them and provide financial independence.
By helping victims find and maintain employment we will have a sustainable impact on their ability to have financial independence and an opportunity to live a life free of violence. Hubbard House is partnering with the COACH Foundation to make this program a reality. The program will be the COACH (Creating Opportunities And Career Help) Program and we are currently in the hiring process for a Job Specialist. The Job Specialist will work directly with Hubbard House program participants with career development, resume formation, interviewing, and helping prepare for applying for jobs. The Job Specialist is also responsible for developing community collaborations to advance job opportunities for victims of domestic violence. For the full job description please visit: http://hubbardhouse.org/about/jobs/.
If you or someone you know is in an abusive relationship please call the Hubbard House 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline at (904) 354-3114 or (800) 500-1119. Hubbard House can help.
ABOUT HUBBARD HOUSE
Founded as the first domestic violence shelter in Florida in 1976, Hubbard House is a certified, comprehensive domestic violence center providing programs and services to more than 6,000 women, children, and men annually in Duval and Baker counties. While Hubbard House is most known for its emergency shelter, the agency also provides extensive adult and youth outreach services, school-based education, therapeutic childcare, batterers’ intervention programs, court advocacy and volunteer and community education opportunities. Visit www.hubbardhouse.org to learn more.