When most people think of domestic violence, they often picture physical harm—bruises, broken bones, or terrifying threats. But there’s another form of abuse that’s just as damaging, though not always visible: financial abuse. It’s the silent power play that keeps survivors feeling trapped, isolated, and hopelessly dependent. At Grace’s Place Foundation, we’re committed to shining a light on this underrecognized aspect of domestic violence, because true freedom isn’t just about physical safety—it’s also about economic independence.
What Is Financial Abuse?
Financial abuse occurs when an abuser uses money or financial resources to control and manipulate their partner. According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV), financial abuse can include:
-
Controlling Bank Accounts
- Preventing a partner from having access to their own money.
- Monitoring purchases and punishing “unauthorized” spending.
-
Sabotaging Employment
- Forbidding a partner to work or undermining their job (e.g., harassing them at work, causing them to miss interviews).
- Interfering with career growth by restricting transportation or childcare options.
-
Coerced Debt
- Forcing a partner to sign for loans or credit cards without their consent.
- Racking up massive debts in a survivor’s name, ruining their credit rating and future financial stability.
-
Withholding Basic Necessities
- Controlling all household expenses, leaving survivors unable to buy food, clothing, or hygiene products.
- Threatening to withhold money for medicine or other urgent needs if a partner doesn’t comply with demands.
Why Financial Abuse Is So Damaging
Imagine being physically safe from your abuser but unable to pay rent, feed your children, or even open a checking account in your own name. The isolation and dependency that financial abuse fosters can leave survivors feeling powerless. Research suggests that financial insecurity is a leading reason many survivors return to or remain with an abuser (Postmus et al., 2012). Without a plan to rebuild economic stability, escaping violence can seem impossible.
The Emotional Toll
Financial abuse doesn’t just hurt the wallet—it damages self-esteem and confidence. Survivors often share that they feel humiliated by the constant need to ask for basic necessities, which can erode their sense of self-worth over time. In addition, living in a state of financial fear can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health struggles (Kutin et al., 2017).
The Role of Financial Empowerment in Recovery
At Grace’s Place Foundation, we’ve seen firsthand how financial empowerment can be a game-changer for survivors. Building economic independence is crucial for preventing a return to the abuser and for fostering long-term well-being. When survivors have control over their finances, they’re far more likely to rebuild their lives confidently and break the cycle of violence for good.
The Ripple Effect of Financial Freedom
When survivors gain financial stability, it doesn’t just change their personal circumstances—it creates a ripple effect throughout their families and communities. Children grow up witnessing empowerment, rather than oppression. Friends and neighbors are inspired to seek help if they recognize similar patterns in their own relationships. Employers benefit from more stable and engaged employees. Society as a whole stands to gain from reducing the long-term costs associated with domestic violence—both in terms of healthcare and social services.
How You Can Join the Fight Against Financial Abuse
- Donate: Every dollar you contribute helps survivors access emergency funds, educational tools, and job-training resources.
- Volunteer: If you’re financially savvy—whether in budgeting, taxes, or credit counseling—we’d love your expertise.
- Advocate: Speak up when you see signs of financial abuse and share resources. Often, survivors don’t recognize this form of manipulation until they learn to name it.
- Educate: Spread awareness in your social circles and online communities. Let people know that financial abuse is real—and that help is available.
Taking the Next Step Toward Independence
Financial freedom is about more than just paying bills on time. It’s about having the confidence to make decisions for yourself, provide for your children, and live without fear. That’s why at Grace’s Place Foundation, we remain steadfast in our commitment to help survivors reclaim control of their finances and, ultimately, their futures.
No one should ever have to choose between personal safety and financial security. If you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse, reach out—whether to Grace’s Place Foundation or a local organization in your community. You deserve to live free from violence, and you have the right to build a stable, empowered life.
References
Kutin, J., Russell, R., & Reid, M. (2017). Economic abuse between intimate partners in Australia: Prevalence, health status, disability and financial stress. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health, 41(3), 269–274. https://doi.org/10.1111/1753-6405.12624
National Network to End Domestic Violence. (n.d.). Financial Abuse Fact Sheet. Retrieved from https://nnedv.org/financial-abuse
Postmus, J. L., Plummer, S. B., & Stylianou, A. M. (2012). Measuring economic abuse in the lives of survivors: Revising the scale of economic abuse. Violence Against Women, 18(5), 572–588. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801212456522
