Why Financial Recovery Can Be a Key Part of Survivors’ Healing Journeys

By Christine Murray

Recently, my colleague and I, Eileen Martin, released our new book, Financial Abuse Recovery: Financial Healing & Empowerment After Surviving an Abusive Relationship. This book had been on my heart to write for years before we actually started working on it over a year ago. Even if you never buy the book, you can check out the book’s website for an extensive list of resources related to financial empowerment for survivors: www.sourceforsurvivors.info/financialabuse. 

In today’s blog post, I want to share the reasons why the topic of financial recovery for survivors has been burning in my heart for so long that I just *had* to bring this book to life. There were two main lenses through which I learned about the powerful role that financial empowerment can play in survivors’ healing journeys. First, I saw this in my own personal healing journey, and second, I’ve seen repeatedly in my work as a counselor and advocate how closely survivors’ financial well-being is related to their overall healing and well-being. 

My Personal Journey
Healing from my past abusive relationship has been an ongoing journey for many years. That relationship had a significant impact on my finances for many reasons. Beyond the financial strain, the psychological toll of financial abuse, gaslighting, and manipulation left me questioning my confidence and judgment in financial matters.

I hadn’t received much formal education on personal finances in school, so when I began taking steps to rebuild my life, I felt like I was wandering in the dark at first. I dove headfirst into learning everything I could—reading books and magazines, listening to personal finance podcasts, and experimenting through trial and error. What started as a necessity quickly grew into a passion.

As I learned more about how to manage money, I began to see clear connections between personal finance and the process of abuse recovery. Financial empowerment became not just a practical tool for stabilizing my life, but also a deeply personal source of healing. Setting goals, mapping out plans, and tracking my progress helped me regain a sense of control and confidence. Each small step—whether paying off debt, saving for my sons’ education, or investing for the future—felt like reclaiming a positive future for myself and my children.

This personal journey taught me that financial empowerment isn’t just about numbers. It’s about freedom, choices, and the ability to create a life aligned with your values and dreams.

Lessons from Working with Survivors
As a counselor, researcher, and advocate, I’ve seen time and again how closely financial recovery is tied to overall healing for survivors of abuse. The writing of this book was inspired by seeing the financial challenges and triumphs of many fellow survivors, and the book aims to address some of the most pressing challenges survivors face in achieving financial independence and security.

We wrote this book with three key messages in mind:

1. The financial impact of abuse can be significant, but it’s often overlooked. Many survivors face financial obstacles that last long after leaving an abusive relationship. These challenges can include damaged credit, legal expenses, and missed career opportunities. Unfortunately, resources to address these issues are often limited. We hope this book fills a gap, offering survivors tools and knowledge to build a strong financial foundation.
2. Financial literacy is a skill anyone can develop. Personal finance can feel intimidating, especially if you’re starting from scratch. But by taking small, manageable steps, it’s possible to build your knowledge and confidence over time. Whether you’re just beginning to address financial challenges or seeking to expand on an existing foundation, the journey toward financial well-being is one of growth and empowerment.
   
3. Financial empowerment creates opportunities for healing and freedom. Taking control of your finances opens doors to new choices and possibilities in every area of life. Even small financial wins can contribute to a larger sense of stability and independence, which are invaluable for survivors rebuilding their lives.

If you’re interested in learning more about financial empowerment and recovery for survivors, visit the resources compiled on our book’s website: www.sourceforsurvivors.info/financialabuse.

Wherever you are in your journey, know that financial healing is possible. Every step you take toward financial empowerment—no matter how small—can be a step toward reclaiming your freedom, confidence, and sense of control over your life.

Note: Portions of this blog post have been adapted from the Financial Abuse Recovery book.