EVIDENCE-BASED DECISION

The CCFWE’s Research Mission:

• Uncover Trauma-Informed Evidence of relevant economic data and research that demonstrates the prevalence of economic abuse and the challenges and opportunities faced by women experiencing abuse;
• Accelerate Knowledge Translation of our research to influence social service networks like feminist organizations and shelters, policymakers, financial institutions, and other service providers which impact the economic security of survivors;
• Increase Awareness amongst survivors and the general public on economic abuse so that people are empowered to prevent economic abuse;
• Advance System Change by using our research to inform tools, advocacy efforts, and policies that can improve the financial, social, and legal ecosystems that impact survivors

Impact of CCFWE research work.

The impact of CCFWE’s research work can be described through 3 main categories. Justification and Accountability, Advocacy and Awareness, and Development of Tools and Resources.

1. Justification and Accountability: CCFWE’s research has contributed to a number of House of Commons submissions. The research has been used to support CCFWE’s position on their submissions to the Status of Women Committee to address Economic Abuse in Canada (March 2022), Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development, and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (Financialization of Housing). The research has provided support for the invitations to speak with committees from the House of Commons. The research was presented at the very first Economic Abuse Summit “Financial Resilience: Recovering from Domestic Economic Abuse”. A total of 362 registered to participate in the event. The summit brought together frontline social service workers, survivors, policymakers, financial sector workers, and researchers.

2. Advocacy and Awareness: Every year CCFWE hosts a National awareness campaign #HelpUsRise. During the campaign, CCFWE highlights their research findings for a broad audience of 50,000. CCFWE has leveraged social media by hosting a number of Twitter Live Chats in collaboration with other organizations to bring awareness to Economic Abuse. Our research is also used to support our requests to declare November 26 as Economic Abuse Awareness Day. Last year 16 cities and 1 province proclaimed November 26 as Economic Abuse Awareness Day. To learn more about the campaign, Click here

3. Development of Tools and Resources: The two CCFWE research studies directly influenced the development of the mobile app and the EAST screening tool. Research plays a crucial role in shaping the development of tools and resources. Our research provided a foundation of knowledge and evidence that informs the creation and refinement of these tools to ensure their effectiveness and relevance. The research helped identify the specific needs and challenges faced by individuals or communities. Through surveys, interviews, and data analysis, researchers gathered information about the target population’s experiences, preferences, and gaps in existing support systems. This knowledge guides the development of tools and resources that address these identified needs. Our research provided empirical evidence on effective strategies and interventions to be able to better support victim-survivors. We identified evidence-based practices that have been proven to be successful. Ensuring that the tools and resources are grounded in solid scientific findings, increasing their potential for positive impact. Click here to download the Economic Abuse Screening Tool.

EAST-Screening Tool

• The development of the Economic Abuse Screening Tool (EAST) has been made possible through funding from the Government of Canada, specifically the federal Department for Women and Gender Equality (WAGE). This funding has enabled social service providers, especially those in shelters, to effectively recognize and tackle instances of economic abuse faced by their clients. EAST empowers providers with the necessary expertise to evaluate the scope and characteristics of economic abuse, while also granting victim-survivors access to crucial economic resources through various available channels. CCFWE expresses deep appreciation for the chance to undertake this essential endeavour.
• The development of EAST was motivated by the two CCFWE research studies. We heard in our studies that service providers are hearing from clients about economic abuse however there is uncertainty about how to address it.

Examples of CCFWE Research Studies and Key Findings.
A Study on Access to Economic Resources During COVID-19 in the National Capital Region, ON

• 80% of participants said instances of economic abuse increased during COVID-19 lockdowns.
• 60-70% of participants said they were worried about their housing situation due to abuse before, during, and after the pandemic.
• 94% of women have had their rent or bill money spent by their perpetrators without their permission.
• 84% of women agreed or strongly agreed that as a result of their partner’s actions, their employment or education situation has worsened since the start of the pandemic.
• Financial institutions were ranked as least helpful among all services

Download the report here: Research Study Ottawa Report

Understanding the Nature of Economic Abuse: A National Study on Service Provider Insights in Canada.

The study sought to explore the prevalence, perceptions, service barriers, needs, and access of survivors of economic
abuse as a form of intimate partner violence. The national study surveyed three lines of inquiry, social service agencies, financial institutions, and victim-survivors. Social service providers were interviewed to gain a further understanding of their work, challenges and successes. The purpose of the study was to develop educational materials for social service providers, and financial institutions to better support clients experiencing economic abuse and a screening too for social service providers, legal agencies, and financial institutions. Finally, the findings will help inform CCFWE on advocacy and policy recommendations.

Download the full report here: Understanding the Nature of Economic Abuse: A National Study on Service Provider Insights in Canada.

Download the National Study Infographic here: Infographic – Understanding the Nature of Economic Abuse

Findings
Social Services (n=292)

• The respondents came from the majority of provinces, unfortunately, we did not receive any response from the territories or Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick (Ontario 59.6%, Prince Edward Island 6.5%, British Columbia 8.2%, Alberta 8.2%, Newfoundland and Labrador 5.5%, Quebec 1.0%, Manitoba .7%)
• 23.9% of the respondents worked in rural areas, 40.7% worked in suburban areas and 35.4% worked in metropolitan areas
• The respondents were asked about services specific to Economic Abuse, 55.2% stated they do have specific support for Economic Abuse, while 44.8% do not.
• Almost 80% of the respondents stated their organizational supports are effective in helping clients experiencing Economic Abuse
• While only 43% stated their organization’s current training is effective in helping them aid clients experiencing Economic Abuse
• Pre-Covid approximately 26% of the clients of the respondents reported Economic Abuse, 52% of respondents noted an increase in calls about Economic Abuse once the provincial lockdowns started.
• Frequency of the various forms of Economic Abuse

Victim
Survivors (n=80)

• Only 14% of the respondents are no longer with their partner. Most victims (25%) are still with their abuser
• 20% of participants’ partner controls access to money, like access to their bank account or give them an allowance
• 49% of respondents’ abusers interfere with or control their money, i.e., salary, child maintenance, welfare benefits
• 41% of victims disagreed that their financial institution was protective of their safety, privacy, and security
• 35% of victims disagreed or strongly disagreed that their financial institution was able to direct them to outside services to help with economic abuse.
• 25.7% are experiencing control and interference with the things money can buy or give access to i.e., housing, food, personal belongings, or transportation

Financial Sector
Staff (n=76)

• Less than 30% of financial institution staff were trained on how to recognize financial abuse in victims of intimate partner violence.
• 67% said they would not be able to recognize Economic Abuse characteristics if a client presented them.
• 65% said they have not received training on how to recognize Economic Abuse
• 37% disagreed that their organization’s training is effective in helping them aid clients experiencing financial abuse, while 32% agree or strongly agree with the statement.
• 66% affirmed their organization’s training helps them aid clients experiencing elder abuse.
• 52% of staff would like to receive training on the assessment and treatment of intimate partner violence and economic abuse.
• 60% of staff agree or strongly agree that they would not know what to do if they suspect their client is a victim of IPV.

How to get involved in our research work.

To become involved in the research department at CCFWE contact info@ccfwe.org