What can I do if I’m being financially abused by my partner?
NewUpdated May 22Financial abuse is a type of partner abuse. Partner abuse happens when your married or common-law partner tries to control you or make you afraid of them.
Partner abuse is also called domestic violence or family violence.
Financial abuse happens when your partner uses money to control you. Or uses violence or the threat of violence to make you give them your money. For example, your partner is abusing you financially when they:
- tell you what you can and cannot do with your money
- refuse to give you money to pay for your family's basic needs like rent and food
- steal your money
- do not let you open a bank account
- do not share financial information, like online banking passwords or pin numbers for bank cards
- force you to do something like sell your personal belongings
- refuse to let you work or get you fired from your job by making you miss work often
Financial abuse can happen to anyone.
Sometimes financial abuse can lead to other types of abuse like physical and sexual abuse. For example, an abusive partner might threaten physical harm to get their partner to give them money.
Financial abuse can also be part of a pattern of abuse that includes emotional, physical, sexual, and verbal abuse.
Get help
Financial abuse can make it difficult for you to leave your partner. You may feel ashamed or scared.
You may think you cannot leave because you have no place to stay, no money or job to support yourself and your children. Or because your immigration status depends on your partner.
But you can get help. For example, if you're renting and you or your child are being abused, you can end your tenancy quicker. Or you can move to a shelter. Step 3 has information on getting support, legal help, and making a . Step 4 has information on what to do if you're in danger.