Swindon domestic abuse charity issues warning over financial abuse

In today’s society, financial abuse is a prevalent form of control and has become easier with the growth of online banking and joint bank or benefit accounts.

This has meant that perpetrators can easily have control over a person’s account, including visibility of what money is withdrawn, spent on and where money is deposited.

As with all forms of domestic abuse, the end game is for the perpetrator to have power over the victim.

A perpetrator may even prevent a victim from working as well as depriving them of their money, this in turn prevents a victim from being able to have a social and professional life outside of the home; leading them to become isolated and dependent on their abuser.

When a person is in this predicament they are just where the perpetrator needs them to be – under their full control with little - if any - outside influence.

Often the abuse is perpetrated by a partner, but it can also come from other relationships, such as family members, friends and carers.

Warning signs of financial abuse include having no or restricted access to your own income, not being able to work or being made to work, being made to steal, a perpetrator gambling or spending your money, having to spend money on things you do not consent to like drugs and alcohol.

Added to that, by maxing out their partner’s credit card or taking out a loan in their name and refusing to make payments, an abuser can hurt that person’s credit score. That has an impact on their ability to find housing, purchase a vehicle, or obtain student loans. Without access to money, survivors often face a new set of challenges to their safety and long-term security.

The Adver is running a series of articles with Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, formerly SWA, as part of a 16-day campaign raising awareness of domestic violence.

If you need more information about financial abuse, call the Swindon Domestic Abuse Support Service, 24 hr helpline 01793 610610.