Coerced Debt

Coerced Debt & Planning Toolkit

Helping New Yorkers Understand How to End Economic Abuse

About This Toolkit

This toolkit is designed to support survivors in understanding, identifying, and responding to coerced debt as a form of financial abuse. It provides practical information, rights-based guidance, and actionable steps to help survivors navigate systems, challenge harmful debt, and build financial safety.

Grounded in a survivor-centered and movement-driven approach, this resource affirms that survivors are experts of their own experiences. It is intended to be used as a tool for self-empowerment, advocacy, and collective learning—whether navigating individual circumstances or organizing for broader systemic change.

You Are Not Alone

Coerced debt is a form of abuse. It is not your fault. Survivors deserve financial safety, stability, and the opportunity to rebuild.

What Is Coerced Debt?

Coerced debt occurs when someone is forced, manipulated, or pressured into taking on debt for another person’s benefit. This is a common form of financial abuse. Survivors may be coerced into opening credit cards, taking out loans, signing leases, or putting bills in their name without full consent or understanding.

How Can I Tackle Coerced Debt?

If your debt was incurred on or after September 14, 2026, you may be able to address it under the Coerced Debt Law.

If before September 14, 2026, reach out to the New York State Domestic and Sexual Violence Hotline for assistance.

Call: (800) 942-6906
Text: (844) 997-2121
Chat: opdv.ny.gov

What Are the Signs of Coerced Debt?

• You were pressured or threatened into taking on debt.
• You were forced to sign financial documents.
• Debt was taken out in your name, but you did not benefit from it.
• You were afraid to say no due to abuse, control, or harm.

Resources for you:

Women’s Law:
https://www.womenslaw.org/aboutabuse/forms-abuse/financial-abuse/all

Financial Assistance:

About The Voices of Women Organizing Project (VOW)
The Voices of Women Organizing Project works to change domestic violence policies and services to better support survivors.