By Lani K.
Domestic violence doesn’t discriminate. Domestic violence affects every class, race and community. 1 in 4 women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime and according to Allstate’s Purple Purse Foundation, 99% of all domestic violence cases include financial abuse. (Men can be victims as well.)
Signs of Financial Abuse: Like all domestic violence, financial abuse is a pattern of abusive behavior used to control and intimidate a partner. It often begins subtly and progresses over time. Below are several ways an abuser may try to take control of their partner’s financial resources.
Restrict daily spending. (Does your partner limit or decide how you spend money?)
Steal money. (Does your partner use your checking account, ATM card, or credit/debit cards without your knowledge or consent?)
Prevent financial account access. (Does your partner lock you out of your own or shared bank accounts?)
Sabotage employment and education. (Does your partner prevent you from working, or attending school or training sessions?)
Financial planning. (Does your partner exclude you from important financial meetings or decisions?)
Cause debt. (Does your partner overuse your credit cards? Does your partner refuse to help pay the bills?)
What Serena Williams Wants You to Know About Financial Abuse
An excellent, comprehensive article, How to Identify Financial Abuse in a Relationship.
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©2019 Christian Coalition for Safe Families
Christian Coalition for Safe Families 