What is financial abuse?

Financial abuse is a form of interpersonal violence that occurs when one intimate partner has control over the other's access to financial resources, which diminishes the victim's capacity to support himself or herself and forces him or her to depend on the perpetrator financially. It is also known as economic abuse or financial exploitation.

Financial abuse is a form of control. The perpetrator uses the victim's money and assets to exert power over them, usually with the goal of gaining and maintaining control over the victim.

Financial abuse can be subtle and hard to detect—it often occurs in silence, without obvious signs of wrongdoing. Victims may feel embarrassed or ashamed about speaking up because they fear being judged by others as needing help or being weak; this may lead them not only to stay silent but also try their best not to discuss their situation at all with anyone outside their home environment (such as medical professionals). In addition, victims may feel ashamed about having financial problems due partly because they believe they are responsible for these difficulties alone while also believing that they deserve better treatment than what they receive from an abuser who controls access resources such as bank accounts.

How can peer support help with financial abuse?

Financial abuse is a form of control by which abusers use money as a way to assert power and authority over their victims. It can be used to keep victims in a dependent, vulnerable position. Financial abuse often leads to other forms of violence or abuse such as emotional, physical and sexual violence.

Financial abuse is a serious problem and one that can be difficult to identify. It may occur in any relationship, but it is most common in long-term marriages or relationships. The financial abuse survivor needs to know that they have options for seeking out help and support.

If you experience financial abuse and seek help, join a free peer support session today.