What is economic abuse?

INTRODUCTION: What is economic abuse?

Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse or intimate partner violence that involves controlling or manipulating an individual's finances and economic resources in order to gain power and control in a relationship. It can take many different forms, but the common thread is the use of economic means to maintain dominance and limit the victim's financial independence and autonomy. Here are some examples of economic abuse:

1. **Controlling Access to Money:** The abuser may control all the finances in the relationship, giving the victim little to no access to money. This can include withholding funds, not allowing the victim to work or have their own income, or closely monitoring and restricting their spending.

2. **Forcing Financial Dependence:** The abuser may deliberately create a situation where the victim is financially dependent on them. This could involve preventing the victim from pursuing education or employment opportunities, or sabotaging their career prospects.

3. **Running Up Debt in the Victim's Name:** Some abusers may accumulate debt in the victim's name without their consent, leaving the victim responsible for repaying the debt.

4. **Sabotaging Employment:** The abuser might interfere with the victim's job by causing them to lose employment or making it difficult for them to maintain steady employment. This can include actions like harassing the victim at work or undermining their job performance.

5. **Stealing or Destroying Assets:** Economic abusers may steal or destroy the victim's assets, such as cash, jewelry, or personal property, as a means of exerting control.

6. **Withholding Basic Necessities:** The abuser may withhold essential items like food, clothing, or shelter from the victim as a way to manipulate and control them.

7. **Using Financial Information Against the Victim:** Some abusers use the victim's financial information, such as bank account numbers or credit card information, to engage in identity theft or fraudulent financial transactions.

8. **Manipulating Financial Information:** This can involve lying about financial matters, hiding assets, or manipulating financial documents like tax returns or bank statements to deceive the victim.

Economic abuse can have severe and long-lasting effects on the victim's financial well-being, self-esteem, and overall quality of life. It can also make it extremely difficult for the victim to leave the abusive relationship, as they may fear the economic consequences of doing so. Recognizing economic abuse is essential, as it is a form of domestic violence that often goes unnoticed or unreported. If you or someone you know is experiencing economic abuse, it's important to seek help and support from domestic violence organizations, legal authorities, or counseling services.

**Understanding Economic Abuse:**
Economic abuse can manifest in various ways, all involving an abuser's efforts to limit a person's ability to acquire, use, or maintain money and economic resources. This includes:

- Controlling your financial assets
- Unauthorized spending of your money
- Damaging your belongings or property
- Placing debt in your name
- Preventing you from pursuing education or work
- Withholding child maintenance payments

Identifying economic abuse can be challenging. To help you recognize the signs, consider the following questions:

- Does your partner/abuser prevent you from working or attending your job?
- Does your partner/abuser hinder your pursuit of higher education?
- Does your partner/abuser demand an account of every expenditure?
- Does your partner/abuser monitor your spending by checking receipts or bank statements?
- Does your partner/abuser control access to your joint account by withholding login details or bank cards?
- Does your partner/abuser prioritize their spending over essential bills?
- Does your partner/abuser damage or steal your possessions?
- Does your partner/abuser control all financial decisions?
- Does your partner/abuser place all bills and loans in your name?
- Does your partner/abuser require your permission for any purchase, regardless of the amount?
- Does your partner/abuser make significant financial decisions without your input, such as buying a new home or car?
- Does your partner/abuser accumulate debts in your name?
- Does your partner/abuser steal money from you or use your bank card without your consent?
- Does your partner/abuser withhold child maintenance payments?
- Does your partner/abuser initiate costly legal battles after separation, knowing you cannot afford to defend yourself and potentially bankrupting you?

**Getting Help:**
If you're experiencing economic abuse, it's crucial to seek assistance. Speak with an adviser from the National Domestic Abuse Helpline. You can also consider meeting with an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA). Take these steps to regain control:

- Freeze joint accounts if it's safe to do so.
- Change PIN numbers and online banking passwords.
- Consider changing email and other online account passwords, if safe.
- Check your credit score for any debts in your name. Use free services like Credit Karma, Money Saving Expert, and Clear Score.
- Keep copies of important financial documents in an emergency bag or with a trusted friend.
- Consult a financial expert from free services such as PayPlan, Citizens Advice, StepChange, or the Money Advice Service.
- Determine which benefits you're entitled to using a benefits calculator.
- Create an escape fund by setting aside small amounts of money.

Remember, you're not alone, and support is available to help you break free from economic abuse.