This episode is brought to us in partnership with the Allstate Foundation.

[Trigger Warning] Today’s show focuses on a very serious issue, domestic violence and specifically, financial abuse, described as the invisible weapon of domestic violence. It is something that happens in nearly all cases of domestic violence - 96 percent of domestic violence victims experience financial abuse.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and I thought it would be helpful to revisit a conversation with earlier this year from one very brave survivor, Mercii Thomas. She recently left her abusive partner, a man that made her financially and geographically reliant on him. We’ll discuss the importance of understanding financial abuse and how that can prevent a victim from breaking free. We’ll explore the prevalence of domestic violence and financial abuse and the importance of financial empowerment....and share important resources for victims, survivors and their allies.

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about these issues, you can visit allstatefoundation.org. If someone needs immediate help, please reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE.