Financial Abuse in Domestic Relationships

Domestic violence affects an estimated 8 milliononly receive an allowance, and you will probably be
people each year. It is not limited to any gender orforced to keep track of every penny that you
orientation, and it can encompass many levels ofspend.
abuse, such as physical, mental, and emotional.To further your dependence on your abusive
However, another frustrating and frightening form ofpartner, he or she may prevent you from getting a
domestic violence is financial abuse. Although this isjob. You may be forced to stay at home instead. If
most often associated with people taking advantageyou do have a job, your partner may decide to
of the elderly, it can also affect those in marriages orforce you to miss certain days or talk with him or
long-term partnerships with an abusive person.her on the phone in order to restrict your
With financial abuse, a person economically restrictsproductivity and income. If you have any assets
his or her partner so that this person is limited in bothfrom before the marriage or partnership, you may be
freedom and security. Because the victim has to relyforced to give up the control of these items to your
completely on the abuser, this makes the abuser feelabusive partner.
powerful and in control. This can mark the beginningFinancial abuse may not seem as dangerous or
of a devastating cycle of abuse that may seemscarring as physical and mental abuse, but it still relies
impossible to escape.on a dangerous cycle of forced dependence. If you
There are several signs that can mean that you areare the victim of domestic abuse, you may need
a victim of financial abuse. First, a financial abuser willlegal help to separate you from your abusive partner.
severely restrict and control your money and creditTo discuss your legal options, please contact a
cards. He or she may not trust you with a creditRaleigh domestic violence attorney from the Marshall
card, debit card, or account of your own. You may& Taylor Law Firm, P.C., today.