Understanding Types of Financial Abuse

By Christine Murray

Financial abuse is a complicated form of intimate partner violence that is all too common for survivors to experience. Financial abuse is not present in every abusive relationship, but when it occurs, it can have major impacts on survivors’ well-being during and after the abusive relationship. In our recent book, Financial Abuse Recovery: Financial Healing and Empowerment in the Aftermath of an Abusive Relationship, we explore patterns of financial abuse as well as practical strategies that survivors can use to heal and seek financial empowerment as they are healing from the abuse they experienced.

In today’s blog post, I am sharing a summary of some of the types of financial abuse to help raise awareness about this difficult type of abuse. To learn more and connect with an extensive list of resources that focus on the topics of abuse recovery, financial well-being, and career and educational pathways, please visit our book page on The Source for Survivors website at https://www.sourceforsurvivors.info/financialabuse.html.

Below, we explore the categories of financial abuse, along with some of the specific types of abuse that fall within each category. 

Emotional, Psychological, and Verbal Financial Abuse

Some forms of financial abuse specifically target a survivor’s emotions and confidence, creating fear, confusion, and self-doubt. Emotional financial abuse manipulates a survivor’s feelings to gain financial control. For example, an abuser might exaggerate financial struggles to increase dependence or use guilt and pity to pressure a survivor into giving them money. Psychological financial abuse often involves gaslighting and manipulation. An abuser may distort financial facts, insist the survivor doesn’t understand money, or justify harmful actions—such as opening accounts in the survivor’s name—under the guise of “helping.” Verbal financial abuse uses hurtful language to undermine confidence. An abuser might belittle a survivor’s financial knowledge, calling them irresponsible or incompetent, which can erode self-esteem and make financial independence feel out of reach.

Financial Control, Isolation, and Withholding

Financial control is a powerful tool abusers use to limit a survivor’s independence, particularly in relationships where finances are shared. Abusers may withhold financial information, keeping partners in the dark about money matters or restricting access to accounts and passwords. Some exert control by giving a small, restrictive allowance or by refusing to contribute financially while hiding their own income. By isolating survivors from financial decision-making, abusers reinforce dependence and make it harder to leave. Recognizing these tactics is a critical step toward reclaiming financial autonomy.

Deliberate, Harmful, and Potentially Illegal Financial Acts

Some abusers engage in financial harm that is intentional, deceptive, and sometimes illegal, further tightening their control over survivors. If you suspect illegal financial abuse, seeking legal advice from a professional is highly recommended. Examples of specific types of financial abuse in this category include the following:

• Fraud and Theft: Abusers may steal money, demand control over paychecks, or commit identity theft by opening accounts in a survivor’s name without consent.
• Credit Damage: They might take out loans in a survivor’s name, rack up debt, or refuse to pay shared financial obligations, harming the survivor’s credit.
• Exploiting Systems: Abusers may use legal and social systems to inflict financial harm—such as dragging survivors through costly legal battles, making false CPS reports, or damaging their reputation.
• Parenting-Related Financial Abuse: Some abusers use finances as leverage in parenting matters, such as refusing to pay child support or threatening financial consequences if a survivor leaves.

These tactics can have lasting financial and emotional consequences. If you've experienced these forms of financial abuse, consider reaching out to a legal professional or victim advocate for guidance on your next steps.

Interference with Career and Education

Abusers may sabotage survivors' career and educational goals as a way to exert financial control. Because economic independence is crucial for long-term stability, this interference can have lasting effects on a survivor’s financial well-being. Types of abuse in this category include the following:

• Workplace Sabotage. Abusers may belittle career aspirations, cause emotional distress, or create workplace disruptions that undermine survivors’ success. Ongoing legal abuse, such as frivolous court cases, can also force survivors to miss work, jeopardizing their employment.
• Career Control and Isolation. Some abusers prevent survivors from working, coerce them into handing over paychecks, or limit their career choices to increase dependency.
• Educational Interference. Survivors may face obstacles like harassment at school, restricted participation in classes, or emotional manipulation that erodes confidence in their academic goals.
  
  

These tactics can derail financial independence and limit future opportunities. If you've experienced career- or education-related abuse, seeking support from professional networks, career counselors, or advocacy organizations can help you regain control of your path.

The "Other" Category: Your Unique Experience

Financial abuse can take many forms, and not every experience fits neatly into predefined categories. You may recognize some of the patterns discussed earlier, or you may have faced financial abuse in ways that are unique to your situation. If your experiences don’t align exactly with the examples covered, that doesn’t make them any less valid. Abuse is deeply personal, and its impact on your financial well-being is real, no matter how it occurred.

Conclusion

Financial abuse can take many forms, but at its core, it’s about power and control. Recognizing the ways financial abuse has impacted your life is an important step toward reclaiming your financial independence and well-being. Healing is a journey, and while the effects of financial abuse can be long-lasting, support and resources are available to help you move forward. No matter what you’ve experienced, you deserve financial stability, empowerment, and a future free from abuse.