About financial abuse

The following material on financial abuse has been provided by the National Network to End Domestic Violence.

Financial abuse is a common tactic used by abusers to gain power and control in a relationship. It includes tactics that limit a survivor's access to assets like cash, credit lines, and vehicles. And it also includes limiting a survivor's access to economic opportunities through employment and education.

In some cases, financial abuse is present throughout the relationship and in other cases financial abuse occurs when the survivor attempts to leave or has left the relationship.

Financial abuse, while less commonly understood, is one of the most powerful methods of keeping a survivor trapped in an abusive relationship and deeply diminishes the victim’s ability to stay safe after leaving an abusive partner.

Research indicates that financial abuse occurs in 99% of domestic violence cases. Surveys of survivors reflect that concerns over their ability to provide financially for themselves and their children was one of the top reasons for staying in or returning to an abusive partner. As with all forms of abuse, financial abuse occurs across all socio-economic, educational, racial and ethnic groups.

The short- and long-term effects of financial abuse can be devastating. In the short-term, access to assets like cash, credit lines, and valuables is critical to staying safe. Without assets, survivors are often unable to obtain safe and affordable housing or provide for themselves or their children. Longer-term, damaged credit scores, sporadic employment histories, and legal issues caused by financial abuse can make it difficult for survivors to gain independence, safety, and long-term security.