CAS
Financial abuse
- Financial abuse is sometimes called economic abuse
- Financial abuse is a form of domestic and family violence
- It often involves someone using money in ways that can hurt you
- Financial abuse can also include stopping you from getting a job or forcing you to get loans you don't want.
- Banking transactions are increasingly being used in domestic and family violence situations. An abusive banking transaction is when someone transfers money, often a very small amount, and uses the transaction description or reference field to harass, threaten, abuse or send unwanted messages.
- Elder abuse can include financial abuse, which is the theft or misuse of an older person's money, assets or property. Compass, a website helping people navigate elder abuse in Australia, has more information on how financial abuse can happen to older people and what you can do to prevent and/or respond to it.
- The 1800RESPECT Financial Abuse Support Toolkit explains what financial abuse is, what it feels like, and next steps when you are ready to reach out for support.
- If you are requiring financial assistance please go to the UnitingCare website who administer the Escaping Violence Payment. The Escaping Violence Payment program (EVP) is available to anyone who is experiencing violence from their partners. More information can be found here.
- If you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse, you can call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit our website for online chat and video call services:
- Available 24/7: Call, text or online chat
- Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm AEST (except national public holidays): Video call (no appointment needed)
