ECONOMIC ABUSE (related to FINANCIAL ABUSE & MATERIAL ABUSE) is when an abusive person uses money, or access to money / resources, and your future access or ability to make money to control you.
Financial abuse occurs in 98% of abusive relationships and is the number one reason victims stay in or return to abusive relationships. -The Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
Economic abuse is insidious and can make it hard for an abuse victim to leave the relationship. It most often includes restricting a victims access to finances/ resources, exploiting them financially, or preventing them from holding stable employment or pursuing education.
Here are some examples of economic abuse:
Examples of Economic Abuse
Locking you out of, or preventing you from accessing bank accounts.
Asking you to front money for their expenses and never paying you back.
Refusing to work or contribute to the household
Using your credit cards without permission, not paying bills.
Getting loans in your name.
Purposely hurting your credit score.
Coercing you into taking on debt or overspending on credit cards for their gain
Stealing money from you, your family, or your friends.
Closely monitoring your spending. Giving you a limited allowance.
Not allowing you to save money so you can’t leave.
Withdrawing money from savings or investments without your knowledge or consent.
Prolonging or creating legal bills for you before or during separation (Legal Abuse)
Refusing to pay child support
Getting you fired, limiting your ability, to get a job or how many hours you can work, or stopping you from working,
Is economic abuse illegal?
It can be. If your partner has opened accounts in your name without your knowledge or permission, it may be considered identity theft.
Here is a list of resources and frequently asked questions about economic and financial abuse:
You Matter
If you or anyone you know is experiencing abuse, seek help. You are not alone. YOU MATTER!
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