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BSAFE is an Individual Development Account (IDA) program
for low-income survivors of domestic violence.
An IDA is a matched savings account that helps low-income
individuals purchase assets. IDA participants make monthly deposits to
establish a savings pattern. Participants' deposits are matched each
month by the BSAFE program. The match funding comes from community
members, organizations, and foundations.
Many women* stay in abusive relationships because they do
not have economic resources such as savings or a job. Many also
lack financial education. Because abusers are often economically
abusive, victims are likely to be dependent on their abuser. If victims
do not fully understand finances, they can fall prey to predatory
lenders and remain trapped in the welfare system.
There are a combination of factors which make it hard to
escape a constant cycle of hardship: poverty, a lack of financial
education, and financial dependence. Montana Legal Services Association
and Montana Credit Unions for Community Development developed BSAFE to
help low-income survivors of domestic violence achieve economic
independence, and in turn, a home free of violence.
*** If you are in danger, please call
911 or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
***
Please note that home computers can pose a safety risk.
Abusers can track the websites you have visited, your email, and other
computer activities. If you believe that your abuser may be tracking
your computer usage, please read the Montana
Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence's information on Computer
Safety.
*Note: The terminology "she" or "her " will be used
throughout this website to refer to domestic violence survivors. This
choice of language reflects the fact that the overwhelming majority of
domestic violence victims are women. This does not mean that there are
not male victims, or that they should not receive the same supportive
services. This should also not be used to exclude children or other
victims in the household.
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