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Financial Abuse
Financial Control
Using money and financial resources to control or manipulate a partner, limiting their independence.
Severity
✅Healthy end
Shared financial decisions made transparently and with mutual agreement.
❌Unhealthy end
Using financial control to trap someone or limit their autonomy and choices.
Examples
Controlling all finances and giving you an 'allowance'
Preventing you from working or accessing money
Running up debt in your name
Hiding assets or financial information
Using money to punish or control behavior
Common Signs
Controls all money and spending
Prevents access to bank accounts
Gives an 'allowance'
Sabotages employment
Uses money to punish or control
Often Confused With
BudgetingFinancial responsibility
Educational Note
Financial abuse is a form of coercive control. It can make it extremely difficult to leave a harmful relationship. Support services can help with financial safety planning.
What You Can Do
- 1Maintain access to your own money if possible
- 2Keep important documents secure
- 3Contact a support service for financial safety planning
- 4Don't sign financial documents under pressure