Financial inequality may result in financial abuse.

When there is financial inequality between separated parents, there may also be a financial power imbalance that can result in financial abuse. We tend to think of domestic abuse as physical violence or assault. In reality, domestic abuse includes physical, sexual, financial and psychological abuses. The abuse can be caused by either partner. Often, where there is one form of abuse, there are other forms as well.

Domestic abuse may also be defined by identifying its intent such as the domination, punishment or control of one’s partner. Abusers use physical and sexual violence, threats, money, and emotional and psychological abuse to control their partners and get their way.

Financial abuse involves forcing the victim to be financially dependent

Financial abuse involves forcing the victim to be financially dependent on the abuser because their access to money and financial information has been cut off.

Financial abuse can take many forms, like denying the other parent access to funds, or making the other parent solely responsible for all finances. In financial abuse, the abuser uses money to control the victim.

There are many ways that financial abuse can happen

Financial abuse between parents may include a range of controlling actions:

• Preventing a parent from getting or keeping a job;
• Denying access to financial information or resources, like bank accounts, credit cards, or the cheque book;
• Demanding that the other parent turn over their pay cheque or any other money they receive ;
• Forcing the other parent to account for every penny spent;
• Withholding child support;
• Manipulating or exploiting someone for financial gain; and/or
• Hiding and failing to disclose honestly all financial assets.

If you are being financially abused, get help

Help is available. If you feel that you are being abused you can obtain:

• Legal advice on your rights, responsibilities, and legal options;
• Assistance in developing a safety plan that protects what money is coming in and/or enforces a support order; and
• Community resources for help, advocacy and/or counselling, e.g. specialized victim assistance programs, women’s centers, men’s groups, multicultural and cultural programs, transition houses, Children Who Witness Abuse programs.