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Financial abuse, or economic abuse, involves someone using money in ways that harm you, like not giving a partner access to shared bank accounts, or controlling or holding back funds for necessities like food and medication. Financial abuse can include many other things, like forcing you to get loans you don’t want, preventing you from working or studying, and stealing from you.
Financial abuse is never acceptable or justifiable.
When he did live with me, he – I wouldn’t say he controlled the finances, but he used a lot of finances. This is a high maintenance person and he expected that I would take care of all of the bills and pay for everything that he required and he kept all his own money for his own interests.
So, personally, I now consider that to be financial abuse but at the time I didn’t realise it. I just thought, you know, it’s my job. I’m supposed to take care of the family and the house. So, I just didn’t realise at the time that he was sucking me dry. I didn’t have anything of my own. I paid the rent, I bought all the furniture and I paid the electricity bills and gas bills and the petrol and everything like that so I was very poor.
Recognise behaviour that’s causing harm to you or an older person you know.
Listen to their story, let them know you understand what they are saying and how they are feeling.
Level of urgency. Is it an emergency? What are the threats? Is there a possibility of them hurting themselves or others?
Plan. If at risk, tell them you are concerned and call the Police. If it is not immediately serious, talk to them about a safety plan and where they could go for help.
Refer. Let them know you are there for them and help them find services.
Document. Keep a note of what you have done.
WSNTV is a community project to raise awareness, improve understanding, and take action to prevent family and domestic violence in the Peel region.
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