Financial abuse is often a tool that abusers use when exerting power and control. Lack of financial independence is a huge obstacle for those wanting to leave. HAVEN Program has several grants that allow us to offer financial assistance to our clients. Assistance is provided based on the client’s unique qualifications and needs, but can include food, clothing, housing, and security deposits. If you have a friend that is not leaving an abusive relationship due to money, please encourage them to make an appointment to speak to one of our advocates. And please take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the red flags of Financial Abuse.
Signs of Financial Abuse
Yes, abuse can look like controlling the money. If an abuser controls the money in the relationship, they likely also control their partner who is dependent on that money to live. This is what financial abuse can look like:
- Restricting a victim’s access to bank accounts or credit cards
- Putting their partner on an allowance
- Making their partner show receipts for every purchase
- Sabotaging employment opportunities for the victim
- Forbidding the victim from working
- Forcing a victim to file fraudulent tax returns
- Intentionally ruining a victim’s credit as a way to keep them financially dependent
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