What is financial abuse?
Financial abuse is one of main ways an abuser keeps survivors trapped in an abusive relationship. Nearly 99% of victims of domestic violence experience financial abuse and it makes it difficult or almost impossible for a victim to stay safe even after the relationship is over.
Some examples of financial abuse:
- Not allowing the survivor to work
- Interfering with survivor’s work or employment opportunities by stalking or harassing the survivor in the workplace
- Not allowing the survivor to attend job training or advancement opportunities
- Controlling how all of the money is spent
- Not including the survivor in investment or banking decisions
- Not allowing the survivor access to bank accounts
- Withholding money or giving “an allowance”
- Refusing to work or contribute to the family income
- Withholding funds for the survivor or children to obtain basic needs such as food and medicine
- Refusing to pay bills and ruining the survivor’s credit score
If you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse, call The Shelter’s Crisis Line at 239.775.1101. For more information on the Economic Empowerment program, call 239.775.3862.
