Financial abuse, while not as immediately visible as other forms of domestic violence, is a potent and insidious form of exploitation. This manipulation, primarily rooted in control over another’s economic resources, can have far-reaching consequences for victims.

What Is Financial Abuse?

Financial abuse refers to behaviors where one individual manipulates or controls another person’s access to their financial resources. This often leaves the victim financially dependent, unable to meet their basic needs or pursue personal goals. Tactics might include:

Withholding money or credit cards

Restricting or monitoring spending

Stealing or defrauding money or assets

Exploiting legal or financial instruments, like wills or joint accounts

Sabotaging employment opportunities

Effects of Financial Abuse

Emotional impacts: Victims might feel trapped, humiliated, and powerless. This stress can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Physical impacts: Due to limited resources, victims might go without essential needs like food, medicine, or shelter.

Isolation: Abusers often isolate their victims, cutting them off from family or friends who might offer financial assistance or emotional support.

Reduced independence: Victims may find it challenging to leave harmful environments or relationships, especially if they lack the resources to secure housing, transportation, or legal aid.

Support for Victims of Financial Abuse

Victims of financial abuse often feel trapped and isolated, but it’s crucial to remember that help is available. Reaching out to local organizations like My Sister’s Place (MSP) here in DC can provide immediate relief and resources. Explore our programs and resources to see how we can help you.

For those who suspect someone may be experiencing financial abuse, it’s essential to approach the subject with empathy and discretion. Offer a listening ear, provide information about available resources, and consider donating or volunteering at organizations that support victims, such as MSP. Together, we can create a network of support to combat this insidious form of abuse.

Another impactful way to support victims of financial abuse is through our emergency funds program. The Fresh Start Fund provides clients in our housing programs with financial support for emergency expenses that may destabilize their ability to remain safely housed, and for eligible educational and employment training expenses that support their path to self-sufficiency. MSP fulfills an average of $300,000 in client requests each year since launching the program in 2020.

According to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence and World Health Organization: “An abuser can assert control over a relationship if a partner is economically dependent. Financial abuse occurs in 98% of domestic violence cases and 70% of domestic violence victims are forbidden to work by their abusers.”

My Sister’s Place (MSP) shelters, supports, and empowers survivors of domestic violence and their children while providing leadership and education to build a supportive community. We offer a full continuum of care, from emergency shelter through transitional-to-permanent housing. MSP also provides training, case consultation, and advocacy to engage communities to prevent violence and abuse. Donate today to help us end the cycle of domestic violence and empower survivors to build healthy lives and relationships.