Recognizing Domestic Financial Abuse

What is financial abuse?

Domestic financial abuse occurs when someone uses money, finances or economic resources to control and harm another person. It is a common form of domestic abuse that can make it difficult to become financially independent, leave an unhealthy or unsafe relationship, and hinder financial recovery after separation.

Financial abuse might involve controlling access to money, stealing assets, damaging credit, or preventing someone from working or going to school.

Who can be affected?

Financial abuse can affect anyone — regardless of age, income, gender, education or background. It typically occurs between intimate partners or family members and can be difficult for others to recognize.

One in three women and one in 10 men experience domestic abuse at some point in their lifetime. Nearly everyone who reports domestic abuse experiences financial abuse, according to the Grameen Foundation. Financial abuse can also occur independent of other forms of abuse.

What does financial abuse look like?

Financial abuse can take many forms, including:

• Controlling access to money: Limiting access to bank accounts, withholding money, or requiring permission to make purchases.
• Interfering with employment: Preventing someone from working, causing them to miss work, harassing them at work, or discouraging career growth.
• Identity theft and financial exploitation: Opening accounts, taking out loans, or making purchases in someone else’s name without permission.
• Coerced debt: Pressuring someone to open credit cards, take out loans, or become responsible for debt they did not choose to incur.
• Restricting financial independence: Blocking access to transportation, education, technology, financial records, or other resources necessary to earn income and manage money.
• Digital financial harassment: Using payment apps or digital transfers to send threatening, abusive or harassing messages

Warning signs of financial abuse

You could be experiencing financial abuse if:

• You are denied access to your own bank accounts or financial information.
• Someone closely monitors or controls your spending.
• You must ask permission before using money.
• Another person controls or takes your paycheck.
• Financial accounts or debts appear in your name without your knowledge.
• You are discouraged from working, attending school or pursuing career opportunities.
• You have little understanding of household finances despite sharing financial responsibilities.
• You are pressured to sign financial documents you do not understand.
• You are pressured to take a loan, or act as a co-borrower/guarantor for a loan you do want.
• Your credit has been damaged because of someone else's actions.

These behaviors could be signs of financial abuse, especially when they are part of an ongoing pattern of control or intimidation.

How can I protect myself?

You should take these steps:

• Keep copies of your identification, financial records and account information in a secure location.
• Review your bank accounts and credit reports regularly.
• Use strong passwords and enable multi-factor authentication on financial accounts.
• Consider opening an account in your own name if you do not have independent access to money.
• Document suspicious financial activity.
• Talk with a trusted advocate, attorney, financial institution or domestic violence organization about your options.
• Create a safety plan before making major financial changes.

What do I do if I become a victim?

• If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
• Review your credit reports for unauthorized accounts or debt. You can obtain free credit reports through AnnualCreditReport.com.
• If your personal information has been misused, visit IdentityTheft.gov to report identity theft and create a recovery plan.
• Contact your bank if your accounts have been accessed without authorization or if you need additional security measures.
• Review the list below to get help!

Where can I get help?

• National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-SAFE)  
• National Network to End Domestic Violence
• WomensLaw.org
• Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (1-866-331-9474)
• StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-7NATIVE)
• FinAbility
• No More Global Directory