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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:
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controlling access to finances such as cash, bank accounts, benefits or pensions
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refusing to contribute financially to the relationship or joint family expenses
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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
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forcing someone to change their will or transfer their assets to them
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forging signatures on financial documents, or pressuring someone to sign documents against their will
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preventing a partner or a family member from working or studying
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forcing a partner or a family member to claim social security benefits
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 Care via the National Debt Helpline. You can also use the list of contacts available to seek further assistance.
Other relevant contacts
Domestic Violence Crisis Centre (DVCS)
Ph: 02 62 800 900
web: https://dvcs.org.au/
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1800RESPECT
Ph: 1800 737 732
web: https://www.1800respect.org.au/
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Legal Aid
Ph: 1300 654 314
web: https://www.legalaidact.org.au/
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Women's legal
Ph: 6257 4377
web: https://wlc.org.au/
Centrelink (crisis payment or special benefit payments)
Ph: 13 28 50
web: www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/centrelink
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Family Safety Hub
Ph: 13 34 27
Access Canberra (including safer families grant)
Ph: 13 22 81
web: www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au
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Contact Canberra (Emergency Relief and food pantry guide)
Ph:1800 176 468
web: vc-act.mycommunitydirectory.com.au
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ASIC Moneysmart (consumer and financial literacy)
Web: www.moneysmart.gov.au
Victim Support ACT
Ph: 1800 822 272
web: www.victimsupport.act.gov.au
Salvation Army
Ph: 0437 723 863
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Onelink
Ph: 1800 176 468
web: www.onelink.org.au
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Lifeline
Ph: 13 11 14
web: www.lifeline.org.au