Financial Abuse: A Form of Domestic Violence

Are you constantly questioning your access to money? Does your partner control every aspect of your spending, or prevent you from working? You might be experiencing financial abuse, a subtle yet devastating form of domestic violence. It's not just about physical harm; abusers use finances as a powerful tool to control and trap their victims, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.

Financial abuse is part of domestic violence in 99% of the cases

Financial abuse is rooted in the abuser's desire for power and control. It's about limiting your access to resources, concealing information, and reducing your ability to provide for yourself or your children. Learn how to recognize the signs: are you forbidden from working, or are your work opportunities sabotaged? Does your partner control how all the money is spent, or deny you access to bank accounts? Are you forced to write bad checks, file fraudulent tax returns, or have large amounts of debt run up on joint accounts?   

Abusers often employ a range of tactics, both subtle and overt, to establish financial control. They might forbid you from working, sabotaging your job by stalking you at your workplace or physically harming you before crucial meetings. Opportunities for job training or career advancement can be blocked, effectively trapping you in a cycle of dependence. Control over finances can manifest as dictating every expense, excluding you from investment decisions, or denying you access to bank accounts.

You might be given a meager "allowance" or forced to engage in illegal financial activities like writing bad checks or filing fraudulent tax returns. They may run up debts on joint accounts, refuse to contribute to household income, or withhold funds for essential needs like food or medicine. Hiding assets, stealing your identity, or forcing you to work without pay are also common. They might refuse to pay bills, ruining your credit, or coerce you into turning over public benefits. Even after separation, they may evade child support or manipulate divorce proceedings to conceal assets, perpetuating financial hardship.

Remember, financial abuse often starts subtly, disguised as "caring." Your partner might say, "Let me handle the finances, you're stressed," then slowly strip away your control. But it can also be overt, using threats and intimidation to keep you dependent. Are you being denied basic needs like food or medicine? Is your identity, property, or inheritance being stolen? Are you forced to work without pay, or have your bills left unpaid, ruining your credit?   

The impact of financial abuse is profound. It creates a cycle of dependence, making it incredibly difficult to leave. Without access to funds, survivors struggle to find safe housing, provide for their children, or even escape. The fear of homelessness often forces them back to their abusers.

Even after escaping, the damage lingers. Ruined credit, employment gaps, and legal issues create long-term financial instability. This makes it harder to achieve independence and rebuild your life.

Recognize that financial abuse is never your fault. It's a calculated tactic of control. If you see these signs, know that help is available. Don't hesitate to reach out to domestic violence hotlines or organizations that specialize in financial abuse. You deserve financial freedom and safety.

Remember to also check the following resources:

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: They have an interactive webpage to help you create a unique safety plan: https://www.thehotline.org/plan-for-safety/create-your-personal-safety-plan/

Your safety and financial independence are paramount.