Escape From Abuse Starts With Small Steps

Survivors seek control of finances after years trapped in harsh relationships

Photo by Louise Whelan on Unsplash

Reclaiming control and rebuilding a sense of self-worth might feel impossible after abuse, but they are crucial first steps toward financial independence.

For many survivors, financial abuse — a form of control where abusers restrict access to money or financial resources — can leave them vulnerable and trapped in harmful situations.

Kim Pentico, senior director of the Economic Justice Program at the National Network to End Domestic Violence, or NNEDV, and financial experts at Experian, a consumer credit reporting company, reviewed what it takes to rebuild financial independence after abuse.

“Financial abuse is a form of domestic violence,” Pentico said. “One partner uses finances to gain power and control. It often begins subtly and progresses over time.

“Abuse can include controlling all the money, sabotaging a job, ruining credit and more,” she said.

Society Needs to Work Hand in Hand to Curb Domestic Abuse

According to NNEDV, financial abuse occurs in 99 percent of domestic violence cases.