Economic Abuse

Economic abuse is a form of domestic or intimate partner violence where one person exerts control over another's ability to acquire, use, and maintain economic resources, thereby threatening their economic security and independence. This abuse restricts the victim’s access to money, assets, credit, and financial information, and can include behaviors such as controlling bank accounts, hiding financial information, sabotaging employment or education opportunities, refusing to contribute to household expenses, incurring debt in the victim’s name without consent, and manipulating finances to avoid responsibilities like child support.

Economic abuse is recognized legally as a form of coercive and controlling behavior that often accompanies other types of abuse (physical, sexual, psychological). It aims to create economic instability or dependence, making it difficult for victims to leave abusive relationships and access safety. The abuse can extend beyond finances to control access to essentials like housing, transport, technology, food, and clothing, which are necessary for daily living and economic participation.

The impact of economic abuse is profound and long-lasting. Victims often leave abusive relationships with no money, significant debt, poor credit ratings, and little to no savings, which severely hinders their ability to rebuild their lives independently. Economic abuse can be categorized into three main types:

• Restriction: Limiting access to financial resources and information.
• Exploitation: Using the victim’s economic resources unfairly for the abuser’s benefit.
• Sabotage: Undermining the victim’s employment or education opportunities to maintain control.

In summary, economic abuse is a strategic form of control that undermines a person's financial autonomy and security, often trapping them in abusive situations by making economic independence unattainable.