have you been impacted by 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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Financial Abuse can happen to anyone regardless of ethnic and cultural background, socio-economic status, age, health or other factors.

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Studies show that financial abuse between partners affects 11.5% of the Australian population.  Like other forms of family violence, women are significantly more likely to experience financial abuse than men. Financial abuse is the most common form of elder abuse.  People with disabilities are also more likely to experience financial abuse.

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If you would like to speak to a financial counsellor about financial abuse, contact the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 .