Financial abuse is a lesser-known but significant form of family and domestic violence. In many cases, it goes hand-in-hand with coercive control, creating a deeply harmful environment for the victim. To raise awareness and provide guidance, the Zahra Foundation has created a comprehensive resource on Financial Abuse and Coercive Control, available here.
What is financial abuse?
Financial abuse occurs when someone restricts your access to money and resources. It can also involve placing debt in your name and is considered a form of family and domestic violence. This type of abuse is used to control and manipulate the victim, making them financially dependent on the abuser.
Financial abuse can affect anyone. It’s more prevalent than you might think; 1 in 6 women in Australia experience financial abuse, and 60% of domestic and family violence cases involve financial abuse.
What are the signs of financial abuse?
- One person controls all household income
- Accumulating debt on joint bank accounts
- Failing to pay child support
- Pressuring someone to lie to government agencies like Centrelink
- Signing financial documents without consent
- Gambling with someone else’s money or joint accounts
What is coercive control?
Coercive control is a pattern of abusive behaviours aimed at instilling fear and restricting your freedom and independence. Abusers may employ both physical and non-physical tactics. Regardless of the form, ALL ABUSE IS SERIOUS AND HARMFUL.
What are the signs of coercive control?
- Constantly monitoring your activities—checking where you are, who you’re with, and what you’re doing
- Isolating you from friends and family
- Threatening you
- Putting you down
- Making decisions on your behalf
- Using children to manipulate or control you—threatening harm to them or altering their perception of you
If you believe you may be a victim, it’s crucial to seek professional help before taking further action.
Call 1800-RESPECT for support. If you are in immediate danger, contact the police immediately
For a comprehensive guide on protecting yourself and your children, refer to the following resource from The Zahra Foundation: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6538aa8c06a16634dc0e78f5/t/669a0162f9730e02aa35f165/1721368933366/ZAF46255+Financial+Abuse+Booklet.pdf
