Sera(*) had survived a violent relationship that left her with physical injuries. ACC supported her while she recovered and worked through the mental health challenges that followed. After she left the relationship, she discovered her husband had fraudulently taken out five credit cards in her name, accumulating $55,000 of debt. Her credit history was shot.

Shocked by what she found, Sera immediately started making repayments. But the debt was so large that, even with help from a budgeting service, she was advised that bankruptcy might be her only option. She was referred to Good Shepherd NZ and met one of our economic harm specialists.

We helped her review her financial situation. Prioritising her safety at every step, our Specialist contacted the credit institutions holding the fraudulent debts and advocated on Sera’s behalf. Every dollar of the $55,000 debt was waived and the associated defaults removed from her credit report.

With the unjust debt lifted and the right support around her, Sera finally has the space to focus on rebuilding her physical and mental health and to move forward with her life. 

*name has been changed.