Financial and economic – this form of abuse can be very subtle or overt and is a common tactic to gain power and control in a relationship. It is one of the most powerful methods of keeping you trapped in an abusive relationship. This form of abuse can include:
- Exploitation/being kept without money.
- Having benefits, salary or pension being taken away or withheld from you.
- Having to account for all of your spending/giving you and allowance and closely watching what you buy.
- Spending money on themselves but not allowing you to do the same.
- Interfering with a victim’s education, training, or employment.
- Not allowing or controlling a victim’s access to mobile phone/transport/utilities/food/medicine.
- Forbidding you to work or limiting the hours you do.
- Preventing you from going to work i.e. by taking your car or keys.
- Getting you fired by harassing you, your employer or co-workers on the job.
- Victim is economically dependent on the abuser, thereby limiting their ability to escape and access safety.