Financial abuse is a means of controlling someone through deprivation of resources. In the absence of resources, it can be extremely difficult to leave an abusive relationship and envisage a life beyond abuse. Financial abuse can be the control of liquid assets (e.g. your wages) or equity (e.g. your house). This can be further complicated if you have children. It is a myth, and a dated view, that men automatically have the resources to leave an abusive relationships as men are traditionally the bread-winners. Not many people can afford to leave an abusive relationship and pay for a new place to live and continue paying towards the family home. Financial abuse can be recognised as a crime under the new Domestic Abuse (Scotland) legislation.
Signs of financial abuse may include:
