VAWG – 25th JANUARY – FINANCIAL ABUSE
What is Financial Abuse? Financial abuse happens when an abuser takes control of finances to prevent the other person from leaving and to maintain power in a relationship. Financial abuse often occurs in physically abusive relationships. Financial abuse is frequently part of coercive control. Often a woman does not leave an abusive relationship because she fears she will not be able to provide for herself or her children. Financial abuse can make the victim feel that she cannot leave. Financial abuse can form part of elder abuse or abuse of women with disabilities, when a relative, friend or caregiver steals money from an older person. So, what are the signs? Often, financial abuse is subtle and gradual, making it harder to recognise. The abuser may act as though taking over the finances is a way to make life easier for you, that you