Economic or financial abuse is a type of coercive control which involves a pattern of controlling, threatening and degrading behaviours relating to money and finances.
The perpetrator uses money to control their partner’s freedom. This can include using credit or debit cards without permission, building up debts in their partner’s name, or restricting access to essential resources and services, such as food, clothing or transport, and refusing to allow someone to improve their economic status through employment, education or training.
Economic abuse can make the individual dependent on the abuser, thereby limiting their ability to escape and access safety. It is designed to intimidate and isolate the victim.
Some examples of economic abuse are:
Controlling all of the household income and keeping financial information a secret
Taking out loans in your name, sometimes without you knowing
Stopping you from being in work, education or training
Pressurising you to work more hours than you want to
Not contributing to any bills
Controlling your spending, checking your receipts
Having all financial accounts in their name