Financial Safety Planning

Like physical abuse, financial abuse often begins subtly and progresses over time. Financial abuse occurs in nearly all cases of domestic violence, often trapping the victim in the relationship.

Examples of financial abuse include:

Abuser controlling how money is spent
Abuser makes all the financial decisions
Abuser withholding money or ‘giving an allowance’
Not allowing their partner to work, earn money, or go to school, including forbidding or sabotaging these efforts
Forcing their partner to work in an industry or location where they do not want to work
Abuser withholding basic living resources, including medication, food, etc.
Stealing money, identity, credit, property, etc., including forcing the victim to sign over assets or file fraudulent legal or tax documents
Destroying credit or credibility, including overusing credit or reporting they are ‘cheating’ to public benefits office

Both partners have access to financial statements and information, although one partner might manage the finances
Couples feel safe to identify and voice when they have different values about money and negotiate financial goals
Both recognize and respect that decision-making is equal, regardless of who earns more income
Each partner can have access to money on their own
Both are knowledgeable about how money is spent

While in the relationship…

If safe, put extra income (no matter how small) in a private, separate account or hiding place.
Have a plan of what to do if savings is discovered

When leaving…

Consider taking at least half joint funds immediately upon leaving, 75% if leaving with children
Document how funds were spent as may be asked to account for expenditures at a later date
Open separate bank account
Change all direct deposits and account Personal Identification Numbers (PINs)

Disclosure…

Think through all the Pros & Cons to disclosing abuse to employers, public benefits, and housing.
- Depending on state laws and rules, there may be some protections for survivors; however, survivors may experience discrimination.

Can remove abusive partner from the home and prohibit them from contact.
Can order temporary economic relief, including child/spousal support or mortgage/rent assistance. Although allowable, not all jurisdictions regularly use this protection.

May be eligible to collect child support if there is at least one child under 18

Housing Search…

If a potential landlord requires a credit check, that inquiry indicating property owner name and location, may appear on renter’s credit report; inadvertently disclosing potential new address

Computer/Internet Safety…

Be cautious about completing applications online
Change all user name and passwords on all online accounts (banking, email, etc.)

Workplace…