MONTPELIER, HARDWICK – Rep. Edye Graning, vice chair of the House Committee on Commerce and Economic Development, joined advocates and survivors at the statehouse this week to highlight H.385, a bill that would create remedies and protections for Vermonters facing “coerced debt,” debt incurred through abuse, manipulation or exploitation. Supporters say the bill would help survivors avoid long-term financial harm from debts they did not willingly take on.
Graning emphasized the bill’s focus on economic stability and consumer protection, noting that financial abuse can undermine a person’s ability to secure housing, employment and independence.
Executive Director Miranda Elkins of Hardwick’s AWARE attested to the frequency of financial abuse and coerced debt seen in their work in the surrounding communities, “Financial abuse and coerced debt are things we see at AWARE more often than people might think. We’ve worked with survivors in our area who found out a credit card was opened in their name, were pressured to co-sign loans they didn’t control, or ended up responsible for utility bills or vehicle debt that wasn’t truly theirs,” she said.
“In a small rural community, the ripple effects are big,” Elkins continued.
“If your credit is damaged, it can be really hard to find housing, turn on utilities, finance a vehicle or rebuild your independence.
“We regularly support people who are no longer in immediate danger but are still stuck trying to untangle debt that was part of the abuse.
“National research from the National Network to End Domestic Violence shows that economic abuse is present in up to 99% of domestic violence cases,” said Elkins.
“From what we see locally, that tracks. Financial control is often one of the quiet ways abuse continues long after a relationship ends.”
Elkins says legislation like H.385 could give survivors clearer options to address coerced debt and start repairing their credit.
“In communities like ours, where resources and housing are limited, that can make a real difference,” she concluded.
Grace B. Pazdan of Vermont Legal Aid said coerced debt often leaves survivors with ruined credit and limited options. She noted that many Vermonters facing debt collection lack legal representation and that clearer statutory protections could provide more accessible relief.
Charlie Parker Gliserman of the Vermont Network Against Domestic and Sexual Violence added that financial abuse is a common barrier for survivors seeking safety. “Coerced debt is not just a financial issue, it’s a safety and economic justice issue,” Gliserman said, urging lawmakers to advance a strong bill.
As introduced, H.385 creates a mechanism for victims of coerced debt to notify creditors with sufficient information to stop any debt collection process and requires creditors to advise consumer credit reporting agencies that the debt is disputed.
Raymonda Parchment is a Hardwick Gazette reporter. She recently graduated from Vermont State University - Castleton with a Bachelor’s Degree in English. She is a strong supporter of freedom of speech, and the right to publish information, opinions, and ideas without censorship or restraint. She is a lifelong lover of the written word, and is excited to join the team as a staff member.
