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Understanding financial abuse
Financial abuse is a form of domestic and family violence, where someone uses money to control, limit or frighten another person. Here’s how to recognise it, and where to get support.
What is financial abuse
Financial abuse, also called economic abuse, is when someone uses money to control, limit or frighten another person. It’s a form of domestic and family violence and is often part of a wider pattern of coercive control.
It can happen to anyone, whatever your age, background, or how much money you have, and it can continue even after a relationship has ended. Financial abuse is never your fault.
Being controlled this way can leave you feeling isolated, anxious or trapped. It can also make it harder to leave an unsafe relationship, or to cover everyday essentials.
Signs of financial abuse
Financial abuse can be hard to recognise, and it looks different in every situation. It can involve someone:
- Stopping you from working or studying or interfering with your job.
- Controlling what you spend or making you ask permission to use your own money.
- Excluding you from financial decision-making.
- Keeping you in the dark about bank accounts, bills or debts.
- Giving you a small allowance that doesn’t cover what you need.
- Pressuring or tricking you into signing documents, taking out loans, or removing your name from accounts.
- Forcing or pressuring you to sell your possessions.
- Running up debts or taking out loans in your name.
- Taking or controlling your wages, pension or benefits.
- Refusing to contribute to shared costs, or to support you or your children.
Financial abuse can be gradual, and hard to spot at first. It can even begin as something that seems helpful, such as an offer to manage the money, and slowly become controlling.
It can also show up in how you feel, like walking on eggshells about money, or feeling trapped, ashamed or afraid.
Financial abuse and older people
Financial abuse can also affect older people, sometimes called elder financial abuse. It can happen when someone in a position of trust, such as a family member or carer, takes advantage of that role. Beyond the loss of money, it can affect an older person’s access to safe housing, food and medical care, and take a serious toll on their wellbeing.
If you’re experiencing financial abuse
Financial abuse is never your fault, and there is support available.
- Contact 1800RESPECT. The service offers free counselling and information on support services for people experiencing or at risk of experiencing abuse.
- Contact MensLine Australia. The service offers free phone and online counselling. Call 1300 78 99 78.
- Talk to your bank or financial provider. Many have specialist teams who support customers experiencing financial abuse or family violence. They can help you manage your money safely. If you’re struggling with repayments, ask about financial hardship support.
- Speak to a free financial counsellor.Call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 (9.30am to 4.30pm, weekdays). They can help with debt and can point you to free legal advice.
- Contact the Indigenous Consumer Assistance Network. They provide consumer education and financial counselling services to Indigenous consumers across the nation. Visit their website.
- Visit the Moneysmart website. They provide information on recognising financial abuse and protecting yourself.
If you’re concerned about your own behaviour
If you recognise some of this in your own behaviour, that recognition is an important first step. Controlling another person’s access to money is a form of abuse, and support is available to help you change.
You can reach out to MensLine Australia to speak to a counsellor on 1300 78 99 78. The service is free and available 24/7.
You can also look at the Changing for Good program for men who want to change their behaviour. You can check the website to see whether you’re eligible for this free service.
You can also contact the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, a free national service, available 24/7, for men who want to stop using violent or controlling behaviour. Find out more on their website.
MensLine Australia counsellors are available 24/7, and our service is free. Call 1300 78 99 78 or click the chat button on the right to access online counselling.
In an emergency, call 000 immediately.
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Financial abuse is a form of domestic and family violence, where someone uses money to control, limit or frighten another person. Here’s how to recognise it, and where to get support.
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