Financial abuse is affecting too many Australian women. Here, our friends at Financy share what real women are saying about it.
It’s time to shine a spotlight on the prevalence of financial abuse in Australia amid estimates that some two million women are victims and many suffer in silence.
Research indicates that financial abuse, at the hands of one partner over another in intimate relationships, is widespread and common in Australia.
It is known that a majority of women, between 80-90 per cent, who are seeking support for domestic and family violence have also experienced financial abuse.
Not having enough money and being financially dependent on someone who controls the finances is the most commonly cited reason as to why women stay in an abusive relationship.
According to Julie Kun the chief executive officer of WIRE Women’s Information in Victoria, many women who are financially abused don’t seek help.
“They do not access support services, or indeed even recognise financial abuse as a form of family violence, it is reasonable to conclude that this is a significant but hidden problem across the community, affecting women from all socio-economic, cultural and geographical groups,” she told Financy.
Here are some real life quotes from women who are victims of financial abuse. Please get in touch with WIRE on 1300 134 130 or White Ribbon other similar support services if any of this sounds like you.
“How do I get out safely when I have no money and nowhere to go and no family here? A refuge is not the answer when you have children and you are trying to maintain normality. A little space to myself that does not involve sharing would be great – it’s such a huge thing leaving your comfort zone that having to share with and meet other people I don’t know is frightening and the abuse sometimes seems better because at least it’s familiar.” (Survey respondent)
“All debt in my name and his failing business also in my name, not strong enough to be able to work out how I get out of this, do not trust his temper or that he would do the right thing.” (Survey respondent)
“I think if I walk out I lose everything, the house. [Then] I am homeless. So that’s why I am not going to complain to the police…that’s why I have never ever called the police because I thought he is going to lose his job and then it’s going to hurt me. If I open my mouth it’s going to come back to me so I need to protect him as well. So that’s the mistake…I’m scared now that if I run away I lose everything.” (Alice, 36, a nurse, currently unable to work due to a stress-related illness, 3-year-old child, Melbourne)
“There is just no money. I rent, I am still with my husband at the moment. I have debts everywhere; I am on payment plans for everything and he continues to gamble so I have seen financial counselling and they have been absolutely fantastic in helping me. So I don’t have money, so I am needing to just, next year perhaps, move to my sister’s with my youngest.” (Belinda, 45, is a teacher but currently unable to work. She has been married to her financially abusive husband, a bank manager, for 21 years, regional Victoria).
Financial abuse is a form of domestic violence which each year costs the economy $15.6 billion, according to the National Council to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children (NCRVWC).
