Anna* is single with no children. She was isolated living on a rural farm and had survived a violent relationship that lasted over a decade.  

Women’s Refuge provided support to help Anna get safe including installing a new house alarm. But he had also controlled all her finances, racking up over $35,000 of debt in her name. He had spent money on her credit card, used her fuel card, and obtained a personal loan in her name and used it to go overseas.  

When Anna first came to Good Shepherd NZ she was looking for a no-interest loan to help her work her way out from under that mountain of debt. But our Family Violence Economic Harm team listened to Anna’s situation and recognised that she needed support first.  

Anna had experienced a brain injury as a result of relationship violence. Good Shepherd NZ reached out to the Ministry of Social Development to ensure she was placed on the most appropriate benefit for her circumstances, including securing a financial back payment. Then, we supported Anna to connect with Wayfinders to navigate ACC and confirm she was receiving the right entitlements following her injury. To help Anna plan for her future, we engaged Brain Injury Trust, who provide guidance around her life, work and income.

We also contacted several different banks and credit institutions regarding the coerced debt in Anna’s name. Good Shepherd NZ worked on Anna’s behalf to have the unjust debt waived – over $35,000 in total.

With the right support and freedom from coerced debt, Anna has been able to pause, rebuild her resilience, and begin charting a positive path forward.

* name has been changed