According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), 99% of domestic violence (DV) cases involve financial uncertainty.
It’s a big issue, and one CVIC aims to address directly in Grand Forks County with the new Economic Empowerment Support Group (EESG).
Launched in June 2026, EESG is a free, eight-week program for participants in CVIC’s Transitional Housing Program who have experienced domestic and sexual violence.
CVIC’s Victim Advocacy and Housing Director Aubrey Malnourie said the team began exploring ideas for the group in fall 2025 after fielding requests from survivors wanting more information about taking control of their finances.
“At CVIC, we want to provide the education and empowerment needed for survivors to move forward with more personal independence and financial resilience,” Aubrey said. “Our first group was held in June and we are already seeing a positive impact on participants.”
Aubrey said transitional housing advocates like herself co-facilitate sessions with experts from Job Service North Dakota, North Dakota Vocational Rehabilitation and Bell Bank. Together, they walk participants through a variety of financial topics, such as:
- Resume development and interview preparation
- Career planning and career aptitude exploration
- Workplace reasonable accommodations and self-advocacy
- Banking basics
- Budgeting
- Credit education and credit repair
Removing as many barriers as possible is another goal. Aubrey said Deek’s Pizza and Bell Bank provide dinner for participants and instructors during each session. Participants can take advantage of offsite child care during sessions, and gas gift cards and bus passes are available upon request.
“The development of this group was guided by survivor voices from the very beginning and was always about reducing barriers to getting help,” Aubrey added. “By increasing survivors’ knowledge, confidence, and access to community resources, we hope to reduce barriers to safety and create opportunities for lasting independence.”
CVIC’s support groups are for survivors and others in greater Grand Forks impacted by intimate partner violence, sexual violence, stalking and other crimes. All are free and confidential.
Please contact (701) 746-0405 for the days and times of available groups.
For media inquiries about CVIC’s Economic Empowerment Support Group or other services, please contact CVIC Communications Director Lindy Merck at lindym@cviconline.org.
Watch this episode of Dove Talks to learn more about our Transitional Housing program!