What is
economic abuse
Economic abuse is a form of family violence that uses coercive, controlling, and threatening behaviour to restrict or remove a person’s financial freedom, autonomy, and security.
It is experienced in close personal relationships and often occurs alongside other family violence behaviours. It is much more common than people might think. Research shows that 15% of ever-partnered women have experienced economic abuse.
“Research shows that 15% of ever-partnered women have experienced economic abuse.”
Economic abuse behaviours are varied and have long reaching impacts on people’s financial wellbeing. We have recorded nearly 60 different economic abuse behaviours experienced by Good Shepherd NZ and Women’s Refuge clients. Examples include restricting a person’s access to money for food and clothing for them or their children, controlling the use of property such as a mobile phone or vehicle, misusing money in joint bank accounts, building up debt in the victim’s name, and preventing victim-survivors from obtaining or maintaining employment.
“It can be subtle – beginning with the smallest breach of trust and building over time.”
Economic abuse is often less recognised than other forms of family violence, and is not often talked about. In New Zealand, we often shy away from talking about money and financial matters. This taboo means we can fail to spot the habits, practices and perspectives which can lead to economic abuse.
Like other acts of psychological violence, economic abuse doesn’t leave visible marks. It can be subtle – beginning with the smallest breach of trust and building over time. Data from the Te Aorerekura Outcomes and Measurement Framework shows that only 37% of men believe that it’s always a form of violence if one partner controls their partner by limiting their access to money, compared to 55% of women. That’s nearly two-thirds of men who think it’s okay to control their partner’s assets.