Financial abuse - meaning and definition
Alsoeconomic abuseeconomic controlfinancial controlmoney abuse
Definition
Financial abuse is controlling a partner's access to money, work or resources in order to limit their independence.
At a glance
- Controlling a partner's access to money, work or resources.
- Includes taking wages, running up debts in their name or forbidding work.
- It often happens alongside other forms of abuse.
- It can make leaving an abusive relationship much harder.
- Banks and debt advice services increasingly recognise it.
In detail
It can involve taking someone's wages, running up debts in their name, forbidding them to work, demanding receipts for every purchase, or withholding money for basic needs. It often happens alongside other forms of abuse and can make leaving an abusive relationship much harder.
Banks, debt advice services and domestic abuse organisations increasingly recognise economic abuse and may be able to help with separate accounts, debt protection and financial planning for safety.
In a sentence
- Having to show receipts for every purchase was part of the financial abuse.
- Her bank had a team trained to help customers experiencing financial abuse.
Common questions
What are examples of financial abuse?
Taking someone's wages, running up debts in their name, stopping them from working, demanding receipts for every purchase, or withholding money for food and other basic needs.
Where can I get help with financial abuse?
Domestic abuse organisations, debt advice services and some banks can help with separate accounts, debt protection and financial planning for safety. If you are in danger, call your local emergency number.
Related terms
Sources
- Women's AidFinancial abuse