Economic Abuse: The Hidden Barrier to Freedom from Domestic Violence

Domestic violence often conjures images of physical bruises or emotional scars, but another, less visible form of abuse quietly strips survivors of their autonomy: economic abuse. While less discussed, economic abuse is a critical element of power and control that abusers wield to trap their victims in a cycle of dependency and fear. Its impact reaches far beyond the wallet, it undermines survivors’ ability to leave, rebuild, and thrive. This article explores the mechanisms of economic abuse, its devastating impact, and what society can do to break this hidden barrier to freedom.

Understanding Economic Abuse

Economic abuse is the use of financial control as a tool to dominate and isolate a victim. It’s one of the most insidious forms of domestic violence, often operating in tandem with physical, emotional, or psychological abuse. While the bruises left by physical abuse may heal, the financial scars inflicted by economic abuse can last a lifetime.

How Economic Abuse Manifests

Economic abuse can take many forms, including:

• Restricting Access to Money: Survivors are often denied access to shared bank accounts, credit cards, or even cash. Some are required to turn over their paychecks, leaving them entirely dependent on their abuser for basic necessities.

• Sabotaging Employment: Abusers may prevent survivors from getting or keeping a job, either by forbidding them from working, creating disruptions at their workplace, or refusing to provide childcare, making employment unsustainable.

• Accruing Debt in the Victim’s Name: Survivors are often left saddled with debt they didn’t incur, as abusers take out loans, open credit cards, or make unauthorized purchases using the survivor’s name.

• Exploiting Assets: Survivors may lose ownership of valuable assets, such as cars or homes, or have their savings drained without their consent.

Each of these tactics isolates the survivor, making it incredibly difficult for them to escape the relationship or regain independence.

The Prevalence of Economic Abuse

Economic abuse is alarmingly common, yet it remains one of the least recognized forms of domestic violence. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), financial abuse occurs in 99% of domestic violence cases. Despite this staggering statistic, it’s often overshadowed by more visible forms of abuse.

Why Is Economic Abuse Overlooked?

One reason economic abuse often flies under the radar is that it lacks visible markers. While physical abuse leaves bruises and psychological abuse can manifest as emotional distress, economic abuse operates quietly, often hidden within the day-to-day logistics of shared finances. Survivors may not even realize they are experiencing abuse until they attempt to leave and face overwhelming financial barriers.

The Numbers Speak

The financial fallout for survivors is devastating:

• 74% of survivors cite financial constraints as a primary reason for staying with their abuser.

• Survivors are four times more likely to experience long-term financial insecurity compared to those who have not experienced abuse.

• Women who have experienced domestic violence are more likely to have poor credit scores, limited savings, and reduced earning potential.

The Impact of Economic Abuse on Survivors

Economic abuse doesn’t just limit survivors financially, it permeates every aspect of their lives, creating a web of barriers that are difficult to overcome.

1. Entrapment

Economic abuse is one of the main reasons survivors remain trapped in abusive relationships. Without access to money or credit, the prospect of leaving becomes daunting. Survivors must often choose between staying with their abuser or facing homelessness, hunger, or the inability to care for their children.

2. Long-Term Financial Ruin

Even after escaping an abusive relationship, survivors face significant financial hurdles. Poor credit scores, massive debt, and limited employment history make it difficult to secure housing, open bank accounts, or rebuild their lives. Survivors often find themselves perpetually disadvantaged in the job market, as gaps in employment history or limited skills keep them locked in low-paying jobs.

3. Emotional Toll

The stress of economic abuse extends beyond financial constraints. Survivors often feel trapped, helpless, and ashamed. The constant struggle to make ends meet, combined with the emotional scars of abuse, can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.

Spotlight on Survivors: The Stories Behind the Statistics

Maria’s Story: Debt and Despair

Maria’s partner forbade her from working, insisting that he would handle all their finances. Unbeknownst to her, he opened several credit cards in her name, racking up debt that she only discovered when collection agencies began calling. When Maria finally escaped the relationship, she faced a ruined credit score, making it impossible to rent an apartment or secure a car loan. Maria’s journey to financial independence has been long and grueling, hindered by the debt left behind by her abuser.

James’ Story: Sabotaged Success

As a male survivor of domestic violence, James struggled with both the stigma of being abused and the financial consequences of his partner’s control. His abuser frequently called his workplace to cause disruptions, leading to multiple job losses. Without a steady income, James felt trapped in the relationship. Even after leaving, he faced significant challenges rebuilding his career and self-esteem.

Breaking Free: Resources for Survivors

Survivors of economic abuse face an uphill battle, but resources exist to help them regain their independence.

1. Financial Literacy Programs

Financial literacy is a cornerstone of recovery. Organizations like Harmony House offer workshops on budgeting, credit repair, and financial planning, equipping survivors with the tools they need to regain control of their finances.

2. Legal Advocacy

Legal services play a critical role in helping survivors dispute fraudulent debts, secure child support, and access protective orders. Policies like the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) include provisions to support survivors in their legal and financial battles.

3. Emergency Funds

Nonprofits and community organizations often provide emergency funds to help survivors with immediate needs such as housing, food, and transportation. These funds can be a lifeline for survivors taking their first steps toward independence.

4. Transitional Housing

Shelters and transitional housing programs offer survivors a safe place to stay while they rebuild their lives. These programs often include job training, counseling, and financial planning services.

How Society Can Help Combat Economic Abuse

Tackling economic abuse requires a multi-faceted approach that involves individuals, organizations, and policymakers.

1. Educating Communities

Public awareness campaigns can shed light on the issue of economic abuse, helping communities recognize the signs and offer support to survivors.

2. Employer Support

Workplaces can play a pivotal role in supporting survivors by offering flexible work arrangements, job protection, and connections to domestic violence resources.

3. Policy Advocacy

Strong laws and policies are essential to protecting survivors from the financial fallout of abuse. Examples include:

• Prohibiting landlords from denying housing based on poor credit caused by abuse.

• Strengthening protections against fraudulent debt collection.

• Expanding access to public benefits and financial aid for survivors.

4. Donor Contributions

Community donations fund essential programs like financial literacy workshops, emergency funds, and transitional housing, ensuring that survivors have the resources they need to regain independence.

Breaking the Cycle

Economic abuse is a devastating weapon in the arsenal of domestic abusers, but it doesn’t have to be a life sentence for survivors. With the right resources, education, and community support, survivors can break free from financial control and reclaim their independence.

Organizations like Harmony House are on the front lines, providing the tools and support survivors need to escape economic abuse. By supporting these initiatives, society can dismantle one of the most insidious barriers to freedom and create a future where no one is trapped by financial dependency.

Take Action

If you or someone you know is experiencing economic abuse, help is available. Contact 417-864-SAFE or visit www.myharmonyhouse.org for resources and support. Together, we can break the chains of economic abuse and empower survivors to build brighter, independent futures.

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Harmony House

The mission of Harmony House is to provide shelter, advocacy and education to survivors of domestic violence and promote the principle that all individuals have the right to life free of abuse.

Since 1976, our emergency shelter and supportive outreach case management programs have offered individuals and their children the opportunity to rest and heal both emotionally and physically in a supportive environment. We believe you. You are not alone and we can help!

If you or someone you know is living in an abusive situation, call 417–864-SAFE (7233) to speak with an advocate.

Click here to learn more about Harmony House