Kentuckiana Times

Recently, Congresswoman Erin Houchin and Congressman Josh Gottheimer introduced the Task Force to End Financial Abuse Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to tackle coerced debt and financial exploitation, which have become significant issues.

Coerced debt occurs when an individual in an abusive relationship incurs debt in their partner's name without consent. This type of financial abuse can leave victims with damaged credit, overwhelming debt, and limited financial options even after leaving the abusive situation.

"Addressing coerced debt requires a coordinated effort that goes beyond just tackling financial exploitation; it touches on abuse, consumer protection, and the ability to live free from financial control," said Congresswoman Houchin. "The Task Force to End Financial Abuse Act will provide a roadmap to better understand the scope of this problem and develop real solutions to help victims break free and rebuild their lives."

Congressman Gottheimer added, “Far too many survivors are trapped in abusive relationships where their spouse or significant other has run up the bills on credit cards or auto loans – often without their knowledge. As a result, they face destroyed credit, substantial payment expectations, debt collection, and even bankruptcy. Financial abuse is often the last chain that binds a survivor to their abuser. This new Interagency Task Force on Financial Abuse will bring together relevant federal agencies and external stakeholders to address this crisis head-on.”

The proposed task force represents a critical step toward breaking the cycle of financial control affecting many domestic abuse victims. Both Congresswoman Houchin and Congressman Gottheimer are committed to advancing this legislation to ensure survivors receive necessary support while preventing future incidents of financial abuse.