In this Clinic, Sarah Gonzalez Bocinski discusses how economics impact survivor safety and justice. Survivors of all ages may find it difficult to leave dangerous and abusive relationships because they may no longer be able to achieve economic security. Outside of relationships, institutions and other systems may inhibit survivors from having economic security. For instance, in order to seek safety, a survivor may need to take off of work or pay for legal aid. Marginalized communities systemically face more financial barriers than their privileged counterparts. Ms. Gonzalez Bocinski led the Administrators in a discussion of their experiences with survivors impacted economically. Issues such as the cost of housing, debts, and increasing prices for seeking safety were all discussed. Administrators were led through a brainstorming session on different ways entities (such as advocates, prosecutors, law enforcement, and judges) can help ensure economic safety for survivors.
Sarah Gonzalez Bocinski is the Associate Director for Workplace & Economic Justice at FUTURES. Sarah works on FUTURES’ initiatives relating to economic justice and security, safety and gender equity in the workplace, and improving access to quality employment opportunities for survivors of trafficking and gender-based violence. Prior to joining FUTURES, she oversaw the Economic Security for Survivors Project, a national training, technical assistance, and research project at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research and Wider Opportunities for Women. Sarah received her BA from Colgate University and MPP from the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University.
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