Consumer Rights Screening Tool for Domestic Violence Advocates and Lawyers

• NCJ Number: 236432
• Author(s): Leah A Plunkett; Erika A Sussman
• Date Published: 2011
• Length: 20 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2009-VF-GX-K005
• Agencies: OVC-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Instructional Material
• Award: Consumer Rights for Domestic Violence Survivors Initiative

Annotation

This report from the National Consumer Law Center and the Center for Survivor Agency and Justice presents information for advocates and lawyers working with survivors of domestic violence on dealing with consumer problems faced by the survivors.

Abstract

The information is this document is intended for use by advocates and attorneys working with survivors of domestic violence in understanding the common types of consumer problems faced by the survivors. The document provides an overview of the common consumer issues faced by survivors and offers solid guidance on how advocates and attorneys can identify these issues when working the survivors. The report begins with an overview of the role of economic abuse in cases of domestic violence. This is followed by a brief look at common consumer issues faced by survivors that include managing household income and expenses, credit reporting, debt collection, foreclosure and eviction, utility access, credit cards and high cost credit, student loan debt, and auto access and ownership. The next section of the report provides information for advocates and attorneys to use in identifying their clients' consumer needs. This is followed by a list of general and issue-specific screening questions that can be asked of the survivors to provide adequate background information to assist domestic violence advocates and attorneys. Information on additional resources for assisting survivors is also included at the end of the document. References