Monday, March 11, 2013

Financial Abuse

What is financial abuse?

I know that I have never heard of this before so I have just as many questions as you! So I will answer the question and give you some facts about this kind of abuse.

Financial abuse is when, your spouse, partner, parent, or whoever, likes to take control of how you spend YOUR money. They will often require you to share control of your bank accounts and sometimes credit information.

At no point in any relationship should someone try to take control of how your money is spent.

IT'S YOUR MONEY!

Here are a few examples of the behaviors of a Financial Abuser:

  • Giving you an allowance and closely watching what you buy.
  • Placing your paycheck in their account and denying you access to it.
  • Keeping you from seeing shared bank accounts or records.
  • Forbidding you to work or limiting the hours you do.
  • Preventing you from going to work by taking your car or keys.
  • Getting you fired by harassing you, your employer or coworkers on the job.
  • Hiding or stealing your student financial aid check or outside financial support.
  • Using your social security number to obtain credit without your permission.
  • Using your child’s social security number to claim an income tax refund without your permission.
  • Maxing out your credit cards without your permission.
  • Refusing to give you money, food, rent, medicine or clothing.
  • Causing visible bruises and scars so that you are too embarrassed to go to work.
  • Using funds from your children’s tuition or a joint savings account without your knowledge.
  • Spending money on themselves but not allowing you to do the same.
Emotional or Physical Abuse usually plays a part in a situation where you are being Financially Abused.

When your partner is taking money without your permission, it leaves you feeling vulnerable and thus makes it harder for you to try and leave.

You think that they still have some sort of control over you. 

If you feel like you need out of the relationship talk to someone you trust like a friend, family member, or even a legal advisor. Have them help you set up a secret location where you can set aside funds in case you do need out.

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