Understanding Financial Abuse: The Hidden Chains of Control

By: Katherine Yajure

At Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, our mission is to advocate for and empower individuals impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault. As we walk alongside survivors on their journey toward safety and healing, we often uncover layers of abuse that go beyond physical or emotional harm. One of the most insidious—and often overlooked—forms of abuse is financial abuse.

What Is Financial Abuse?

Financial abuse occurs when an abuser uses money or access to financial resources as a means to exert power and control over their partner. It can look different in every relationship, but the goal is the same: to trap the survivor in the relationship by making them financially dependent or isolated.


Some common tactics of financial abuse include:

• Restricting access to money: Only allowing the survivor a small “allowance” or denying them access to bank accounts.
• Sabotaging employment: Preventing the survivor from getting or keeping a job by causing disruptions, such as showing up at their workplace or refusing to provide childcare.
  
• Stealing or misusing money: Taking money without consent, opening credit cards in the survivor’s name, or ruining their credit.
• Controlling spending: Forcing the survivor to ask for permission to buy necessities or constantly monitoring receipts and transactions.
• Withholding financial information: Keeping the survivor in the dark about household finances, bills, or debts.

Why It Matters

Financial abuse occurs in up to 99% of domestic violence cases (NNEDV, 2018). It’s often one of the first signs of abuse and one of the biggest barriers to leaving an unsafe relationship. Without money, a survivor may feel they have no choice but to stay.
At Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, we’ve seen firsthand how financial abuse keeps survivors tethered to danger—and how breaking free from it can be a critical first step in reclaiming independence and safety.

How We Help

Our services are designed to address the full scope of abuse—including financial control. Whether it’s helping a survivor open a safe bank account, connect with employment resources, or understand their legal rights, our team offers support that recognizes the complexity of abuse.

We work alongside community partners to:

• Offer financial literacy workshops and job readiness training
• Provide advocacy for protective orders that include financial safety planning
• Connect survivors to emergency funds and housing assistance
• Support long-term safety plans that address financial stability and independence

What You Can Do

If you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse, know that you are not alone. There is help and hope. Recognizing the signs is a powerful first step—and reaching out can change everything.

Here are a few ways to support survivors of financial abuse:

• Listen without judgment
• Respect their choices and timing
• Connect them with a trusted organization like ours for confidential support
  
• Advocate for policies and resources that expand financial empowerment for survivors

Join Our Mission

At Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, we believe that freedom from abuse includes financial freedom. Everyone deserves the right to make choices about their own life—including how they earn, spend, and save money. Let’s continue to shine a light on this often-hidden form of control and walk with survivors on their path toward empowerment.


Need help or want to talk to someone? Reach out to Beacon of Hope Crisis Center today at our confidential crisis line: 317-731-6140. Our advocates are here to support you.

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