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:
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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.
Women 15.7%
Men
7.1%
Australians Experiencing Financial Abuse
Financial Abuse can happen to anyone regardless of ethnic and cultural background, socio-economic status, age, health or other factors.
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.
If you would like to speak to a financial counsellor about financial abuse, contact the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007 .
Important contacts for support including financial support
National Debt Helpline
Ph: 1800 007 007
web: ww.ndh.org
Access Canberra (including safer families grant)
Ph: 13 22 81
web: www.accesscanberra.act.gov.au
Onelink
Ph: 1800 176 468
web: www.onelink.org.au
Centrelink (crisis payment or special benefit payments)
Ph: 13 28 50
web: www.humanservices.gov.au/individuals/centrelink
Lifeline
Ph: 13 11 14
web: www.lifeline.org.au
Family Safety Hub
Ph: 13 34 27
web: www.communityservices.act.gov.au/safer-families
Contact Canberra (Emergency Relief and food pantry guide)
Ph:1800 176 468
web: vc-act.mycommunitydirectory.com.au
ASIC Moneysmart (consumer and financial literacy)
Web: www.moneysmart.gov.au
Victim Support ACT
Ph: 1800 822 272
web: www.victimsupport.act.gov.au
Microfinance loans (including people impacted by domestic and family violence)
Care Inc.
Ph: 6257 1788
web: www.carefcs.org
Salvation Army
Ph: 0437 723 863
Step Up Loans (low interest loans)
Baptist Care NSW & ACT
Ph: 02 5804 7351