Financial Abuse in Relationships: Know the Warning Signs

Financial abuse in relationships is a form of domestic violence that can have devastating consequences. It involves controlling or manipulating a partner’s finances, leaving the victim powerless. By recognizing the signs of financial abuse, you can take steps to protect yourself and seek the support you need to break free from this harmful cycle.

Control over finances.

One of the warning signs of financial abuse in relationships is when one partner has complete control over the finances.

This can include withholding money, limiting access to bank accounts, and making all financial decisions without input from the other partner.

This control can leave the victim dependent and unable to make financial choices.

It is essential to recognize this sign and seek help if you are experiencing financial abuse in your relationship.

Financial abuse in a relationship can manifest in various ways, but one clear sign is when one partner exercises complete control over the finances. This can involve withholding money from the other partner, restricting access to bank accounts, and making all financial decisions without consulting the other person. This level of control can leave the victim feeling trapped and incapable of making their own economic choices.

It is crucial to identify this sign and seek assistance if you are experiencing financial abuse in your relationship.

Limited access to money.

One of the warning signs of financial abuse in relationships is when one partner restricts the other’s access to money.

This can involve withholding funds, controlling the use of bank accounts, and making all financial decisions without input from the other partner.

By limiting access to money, the abuser maintains power and control over the victim, making it difficult for them to make independent financial choices. It is crucial to recognize this sign and seek support if you are experiencing limited access to money in your relationship.

They are forced to account for every penny spent.

Another warning sign of financial abuse in relationships is when one partner forces the other to account for every penny spent. This can involve demanding purchase receipts, questioning and criticizing spending choices, and creating a sense of guilt or shame around money. This behavior is a form of control and can leave the victim feeling trapped and powerless.

If you constantly have to justify your spending or feel like you are frequently under scrutiny, it is crucial to seek help and support to break free from this harmful cycle.

They were coerced into signing financial documents.

One of the warning signs of financial abuse in relationships is when one partner coerces the other into signing financial documents without their complete understanding or consent. This can include signing loans, credit cards, or other financial agreements without the victim’s knowledge or against their will. This behavior clearly violates trust and can severely affect the victim’s economic well-being.

If you are pressured or manipulated into signing financial documents, seeking help and protecting yourself from further abuse is essential.

They are sabotaging employment or education opportunities.

Another warning sign of financial abuse in relationships is when one partner intentionally sabotages the other’s employment or education opportunities. This can include preventing the victim from attending school or pursuing career advancement, constantly criticizing their work or academic performance, or even causing them to lose their job or drop out of school. Limiting the victim’s financial independence and growth opportunities, the abuser maintains control and power over them.

Notice your partner consistently undermining your employment or education. It may be a sign of financial abuse, and seeking support and protecting yourself is crucial. While you are seeking support, begin journaling (in a way that your abuser will not detect) to help you get your thoughts out, gain clarity and perhaps share with your mental health professional. Here’s a journaling article I wrote that might help you.