Financial Abuse can take many forms from running up debts in a partner's name to denying a partner access to their wages.
It is often used as a means of control within a wider pattern of domestic abuse and can lead to people not leaving violent situations.
If you are preparing to leave a situation of domestic abuse there are a series of steps you can take to ensure your safety and make sure your finances will be as manageable as possible when you leave. These are set out in detail in the second chapter of You Can Afford to Leave, published by Refuge.
Lots of useful information about dealing with the financial consequences of leaving a situation of domestic abuse can be found in the money issues section of the Survivor’s Handbook, published by Women’s Aid.
An abbreviated version of the Survivor’s Handbook is available in audio format and in 11 languages other than English.
Domestic abuse is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality
If you are a woman and think you may be experiencing domestic abuse you can call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247. They can provide support, let you know about services in your area and advise you of your options. If however you or your children are in immediate danger you should call the police on 999.
Men experiencing domestic violence can call the Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010 327
