Domestic abuse: What is financial abuse?

A part of coercive control, financial abuse rarely happens in isolation and in many cases, it is used alongside other abusive and threatening behaviours. But what does financial abuse look like?

Domestic abuse: What is financial abuse?

A part of coercive control, financial abuse rarely happens in isolation and in many cases, it is used alongside other abusive and threatening behaviours. But what does financial abuse look like?

The definition of financial abuse

Financial abuse is a part of coercive behaviour.  It is often used by abusers to maintain control over the victim and to exert power over them. It isolates, deprives and strips the victim of independence while often leaving them with long lasting financial, and emotional, damage.

A key aspect of financial abuse is the restriction of access to money, however, a study conducted by Women’s Aid has found that it can also include:

• Control of access to finances
• The abuser not allowing money for essentials
• Victims having to give p their home or assets as a result of leaving the relationship
• Build up of debt as a result of the abuser
• The abuser using the victim’s details to set up financial accounts
• Loss of earnings through impacted ability to work

Financial abuse doesn’t rely on proximity and can be used by the abuser to maintain control over the victim from a distance, or even after the victim has left the relationship.

What to do if you are suffering from financial abuse or are worried about a loved one?

Restricting access to finances means that victims have little resistance and limited – or no – means to escape the relationship.

Derbyshire Constabulary has officers dedicated to dealing with instances of domestic abuse; however, frontline officers are also taught to spot the signs of abuse.

There is also a wealth of support services that are on offer to help people who may be suffering abuse, or may be worried about a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour by visiting: http://www.core-derbyshire.com/types-crime/domestic-abuse

If you are outside Derbyshire and want to find out more about Domestic Abuse, along with links to agencies that offer support, then visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help

If you are a victim or are concerned about a loved one, neighbour or colleague and want free, confidential advice and support call 08000 198 668 for those in Derbyshire and 01332 985 111 for those in Derby city.

How to keep internet activity secret

As described above, an element of coercive and controlling behaviour may include the abuser checking your phone or computer.

If you are accessing support websites then this is best done on a computer that the abuser does not have access to, at work or a local library for instance.

However, if this is not possible then you can find out how to how to keep your internet activity secret and how to delete websites and searches from your computer here: https://www.reducingtherisk.org.uk/cms/content/internet-safety