Domestic and family violence

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Domestic and family violence

Domestic and family violence can often have a financial dimension involved. This is called financial abuse, or economic abuse, and can happen to anyone regardless of ethnic and cultural background, socio-economic status, age, health or other factors.

What is financial abuse?

Financial abuse is when a loved one, a family member, friend or a carer uses money, assets or income to control another person and their decisions. Their behaviour may include:

controlling access to finances such as cash, bank accounts, benefits or pensions
refusing to contribute financially to the relationship or joint family expenses
taking out loans and running up debts in a family member or partner’s name without their knowledge or consent, or forcing them to give such consent
forcing someone to change their will or transfer their assets to them
forging signatures on financial documents, or pressuring someone to sign documents against their will
preventing a partner or a family member from working or studying
forcing a partner or a family member to claim social security benefits

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Here to help

IF YOU ARE IN DANGER CALL 000

If you are experiencing domestic and/or family violence or financial abuse, you should seek assistance by calling a financial counsellor via the National Debt Helpline. You can also use the list of contacts available to seek further assistance.