IMPACT REPORT:

Domestic Violence

 

Supporting survivors of domestic violence through direct financial assistance.

Survivors of domestic violence often encounter unexpected financial challenges, including the costs of temporary housing, basic necessities, counseling services, and other essentials while they seek safety and rebuild their lives. Our employee relief funds are designed to provide critical financial assistance during these difficult times.

 

 

DID YOU KNOW?

An average of 24 people per minute are victims of physical violence, stalking, or rape by an intimate partner in the United States.

More than 12 million people in the US are victims of physical violence, stalking, or rape by an intimate partner over the course of a single year.

Nearly 3 in 10 women (29%) and 1 in 10 men (10%) in the US have experienced physical violence, stalking, and/or rape by a intimate partner.

Domestic violence issues lead to nearly 8 million lost days of paid work each year, the equivalent of over 32,000 full-time jobs.

 

Measurable relief.

Together with our Fund Partners, we work to ensure financial assistance reaches eligible domestic violence survivors in need.

FUND PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

How Victoria's Secret & Co. supports associates impacted by domestic violence.

Victoria’s Secret & Co. (VS&Co) has long been committed to supporting women at all stages of life. This commitment, and a resulting deep understanding of the issues impacting women, is well reflected in the company’s external philanthropic efforts, but truly begins with their dedication to supporting their own associates – about 80% of whom are women – during life’s toughest moments. One such challenge, unfortunately all too common, is domestic violence.

It’s so important that we are there to support our associates through the different transitions and challenges that life might bring their way.

Leslie Nixon, Associate Vice President, Community Relations at Victoria's Secret & Co.

Through its foundation, VS&Co funds initiatives around the world that are focused on women’s physical and mental health, as well as those supporting survivors of domestic violence, gender-based violence, and harassment in a variety of ways. In one instance, VS&Co funded a Columbus Humane project that enabled survivors of domestic violence to shelter their pets while seeking safety for themselves. “At first glance, the grant request didn’t seem to align with our philanthropic focus – we don’t typically fund animal services,” says Nixon. “But then I read more and knew we had to do it. We know that this is one of the reasons people experiencing domestic violence might find it difficult to leave, and we want to do everything we can to remove those barriers.”

But VS&Co is particularly proud of their internal efforts to support their own associates, and one way they do so is through the Associates 4 Associates Fund. The fund – which is sponsored by VS&Co and administered globally by Emergency Assistance Foundation (EAF) – was established to help eligible VS&Co team members who are in need of immediate financial assistance following an unforeseen disaster or personal hardship. One personal hardship category for which associates can apply for financial assistance through the fund is domestic violence, specifically for expenses related to fleeing domestic violence situations and necessary counseling services.

 

Unfortunately, applications for assistance from the fund that are related to domestic violence are common. Understanding the gravity of this, the company is committed to helping as many impacted team members as possible, as quickly as possible. “When looking for a partner to administer the fund, we did an exhaustive search. We needed a partner who could provide timely, flexible, and compassionate support for all of our associates worldwide, and EAF rose to the top.” As the fund’s third-party administrator, EAF accepts all donations, objectively reviews all applications, and distributes awarded financial assistance, while also maintaining legal and regulatory compliance.

When it comes to Victoria’s Secret & Co.’s future plans for supporting women both in and outside the company, Nixon makes it clear: “We always have, and we always will.” And EAF is proud to be by their side.

In their own words.

First-hand stories from domestic violence survivors who received grants from our funds.

I applied for the grant because I had to leave an abusive relationship quickly and relocate for both me and my child’s safety. This created a very bad financial strain and I needed help as after the move, I had no money for essentials. This grant made it possible for me to take care of my living expenses for another month and still be able to afford to buy my daughter a crib, mattress, and groceries.

Thank you so much for the thought and action of donating to make this relief fund possible. The impact and support this fund offers is worth the investment and its everyday people like me really appreciate this so much!

- Sydnie, Grant Recipient

"I was recently involved in a domestic violence situation. For my safety, I made the difficult decision to move out, although my finances didn’t allow for it. This grant allowed me to get to safety, and be able to provide a better situation for myself and my children. This fund is a Godsend to those who find their lives turned upside-down due to a unexpected circumstance. I wish I could thank each of them personally.

Honestly, the last seven months has been so humbling. My whole life, I have been a giver, and it is has not been easy to be ask for help. The willingness of others to help those in their time of need has really changed my outlook, and as cliche as it seems, it has absolutely restored my faith in humanity."

- Elizabeth, Grant Recipient

"This grant helped my daughter and I leave an abusive environment. I really didn’t realize how bad it was until I started working with a therapist, and found the courage to leave a marriage that had become toxic for myself and my children. With the help of this grant, we are safe and finding happiness again. I hope this inspires others to put pride and fear aside and ask for help. I will be forever thankful and grateful for this relief fund.

Thank you for your generosity, you have made a very painful situation better. I didn’t plan on going through this, but I am so glad you guys supported me and my family through this journey."

- Rachel, Grant Recipient

"I was involved in an abusive situation. As a result, I have incurred medical expenses, legal fees, moving costs, and have spent an overwhelming amount of time with lawyers, medical staff, and victim advocates. This is on top of looking for a new place to live with added deposits and moving costs. The grant has certainly relieved a lot of the stress and has greatly helped financially. I am very grateful that I had the benefit and opportunity to apply for the additional support!
 
Being approved for the grant made me feel like things were beginning to turn around for the better. The financial help has relieved a great deal of stress. I believe that in life we all strive to make a difference. You have touched my heart and made a huge difference during this incredibly challenging time. I have hope and I know this will all pass. I know I will heal and will be able to move forward. Thank you for helping to point me in a positive direction!"

- Andrew, Grant Recipient

"I was in an abusive relationship and had to leave for my safety. Thanks to my employer sponsoring this relief fund, I was able to get a place of my own. To those who have donated to this fund, I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I would have been homeless without this grant. There are no words to express how grateful I am."

- Ann, Grant Recipient

 If you or someone you know is experiencing any type of domestic or intimate partner violence, reach out to the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-7233 or texting “START” to 88788.

 
 

Help your team focus on recovering and rebuilding.

Insurmountable medical bills resulting from unexpected surgeries. Funeral expenses following the loss of loved ones. The grants we award provide essential assistance – and offer hope – in the period between hardship and recovery.

 

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