When I left my ex-husband I was 39 years old and during our marriage he dominated the family finances. I was a vice president with a Wall St. insurance company and I would turn over my earnings to my ex-husband who gave me an allowance that I had to account for. I did not even have my own checking account until I left him.

The abuser controls the finances as a means of control over the victim. Women arrive at shelters bewildered and scared and so many don’t even have a credit card or any money of their own. And once she has left she can count on the abuser cutting off any access to family funds.

Most people think of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse when they hear the words "domestic violence." What many people don't realize is that abusers also can be economically abusive.

Economic abuse occurs when the abuser:

·         Dominates control of the finances

·         Doesn't allow the victim to work or earn her own money

·         Jeopardizes the victim’s employment by harassing her at work

·         Taking a partner's money without her permission

·         Being forced to be the main income provider

·         Denies access to information about the family finances

The list goes on and on. Economic abuse is a very real form of abuse and can have lifelong impact on the victim lasting long after the abusive relationship has ended.

Economic abuse has devastating effects!