Financial abuse

This can include an “allowance” only for basics, being blocked from bank accounts, or a partner taking your pay or benefits and deciding how they are spent.

An abusive person may pressure you to quit, stop you from working, or disrupt your job, for example by making you late again and again until you lose it.

This can include opening credit in your name, running up debt on joint accounts, or forcing you to file false tax returns.

Refusing to pay bills and ruining your credit score is a known tactic. It can make renting, borrowing or starting over much harder.

When an abusive person controls the money, even small costs like a bus ticket or a phone can feel out of reach.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline does not give cash directly, but it can connect you to local programs that may help with shelter, legal help and money needs.

Ruined credit, gaps in work history and legal problems caused by the abuse can make long-term independence very hard.

Concern about caring for children is one of the reasons survivors most often give for staying or returning.

Being controlled and criticised over time can wear down your confidence. You may start to doubt your own judgment.

Living with constant money worry can affect sleep, mood and health.

Financial abuse often builds slowly and can look like care at first. It is the person controlling the money who is responsible, not you.

Healing after abuse is a process. Many survivors rebuild their finances and their sense of self step by step.

Financial exploitation of older people is a recognised form of elder abuse.

Control over someone’s money, benefits or identity is harmful whoever does it. The same safer steps and support can help.

Stealing your identity or opening credit in your name is a sign of financial abuse.

Having some money the abusive person can’t reach can make a big difference. Some survivors ask a trusted friend or relative to hold money or receive mail for them.

Change PINs, access codes and passwords, and don’t share them. Two-factor sign-in and bank alerts for password or account changes can add protection.

Internet use can be monitored. Clear your browser history after looking for help, or use a device the abusive person can’t access.

The Office on Women’s Health advises not co-signing loans or contracts with an abuser.

Keep copies of important papers somewhere safe, such as with someone you trust. Photos of jointly owned property can also help later.

In the U.S., you can check your credit report from each of the three bureaus for free every week at AnnualCreditReport.com. It is the only website authorised to provide the free reports.

To fix mistakes, contact the credit bureaus and the business that supplied the information. If accounts were opened through fraud, you may be able to get an extra free report.

A credit freeze or fraud alert can help stop new accounts being opened in your name.

The Office on Women’s Health lists the National Foundation for Credit Counseling as a source of free financial advice. Local domestic violence programs may also help with job training, child care and transport.