Signs of financial abuse

Financial abuse can be difficult to recognise when you’re experiencing the abuse. It’s usually about power and control. Financial abuse often happens along with other abuse, like verbal abuse and physical abuse.

Financial abuse is often cumulative. This means one action might seem reasonable, for example, asking you to hand over money once. But when such requests happen regularly, you might feel controlled and coerced and it can become financial abuse.

It can be difficult to recognise financial abuse when it has become a way of life. That’s why it’s so important to talk to someone confidentially about what’s happening to you.

There are at least six red flags:

1. You don’t have control over money

Examples include:

• your partner has taken control of the finances and told you it’s to “take the pressure off you”;
• you have to hand over your income to your partner;
• your partner is not working or does not contribute to household expenses;
• you don’t have access to any bank accounts;
• you have to work in a family business without being paid;
• you’re only given an allowance; and
• you’re only given an allowance that doesn’t cover your living expenses.

2. Your career/work is sabotaged

Examples include:

Your partner makes it difficult for you to:

• get work
• keep your job
• attend your workplace and/or
• do further training or study.

Your partner can do this by denying you access to:

• a telephone,
• the internet, and/or
• transport such as a car or public transport cards.

3. Your partner is committing fraud or pressuring you into taking on debt

Examples include:

• running up debts in your name by using your credit card;
• pressuring you to sign a loan contract;
• making you be a guarantor on a loan;
• putting all the household bills in your name;
• pressuring you to sign up for Centrelink benefits to which you are not entitled; and
• forging your signature.

4. You’re being monitored

Examples include:

• your partner keeps a close eye on what you buy; and
• your partner makes you account for your spending decisions.

5. Your partner is secretive about finance

Examples include:

• hiding money from you;
• hiding assets from you; and
• not allowing you to see bank statements.

6. You are scared to talk about money

Examples include:

• making you feel like you’re bad at managing money; and
• getting angry if you mention money.

If you’re concerned that you or someone you know is being financially abused, contact 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) for support and assistance.