Domestic abuse, or domestic violence, can happen in many ways. When a member of a household dictates a person’s life in a coercive way, it may be abuse. One such method of control is economic. This is when the abuser restricts and controls money and economic resources of the survivor. This may include food, clothes, transportation, and career or education. This is also called financial abuse.

This type of abuse is possible with romantic partners. It also happens often with seniors. Financial exploitation is common against elders. 

 The abuser may:

• Control how and when money is spent,
• Make their partner ask for money, or provide an allowance,
• Prevent a partner from getting an education or job,
• Not allow them to get their benefits,
• Have sole control of the bank account,
• Make sure all economic assets are in their name,
• Keep shared financial information secret,
• Ruin their partner’s credit,
• Provide money for sexual activity, or
• Control access to the victim’s phone or vehicle.

Any of these things may be economic abuse. If you think you are being abused, you have rights. 

Economic abuse is similar to labor trafficking. Labor trafficking is a type of human trafficking where someone is forced to work. If you think you experienced trafficking, see your options.