1. Learn about financial abuse

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.  

Financial abuse can be hard to recognize. In many families, in couples of opposite genders, it's considered normal for the male partner to control the money or to be the only one working. But financial abuse can happen in couples of any sex or gender. 

In some communities, couples do not talk about money or household finances.    

Financial abuse often takes place over a long time. It usually happens more than once.  

What abusive partners do 

Abusive partners act in different ways.  

They may take all or most of the money that you get from your: 

• job,  
• disability or income assistance payment, 
• tax return, or  
• the Canada child benefit. 

Not share information

Abusive partners may not give you the information and documents you need to open bank accounts, file your taxes, or apply for help from the government. Or they may not share financial information, like online banking passwords or pin numbers for bank cards.   

They may not tell you how much they earn. And they usually make financial decisions without you.  

Your money or property

An abusive partner might stop you from earning your own money so that you're forced to depend on them. For example, they may not help you with caring for your children so that you cannot work. Or they may stop you from going to school to learn a new skill that will get you a job.  

If you have your own money, they might tell you how you can or cannot spend it. Or they make take it and use it on themself. 

If you have your own property, they might force you to transfer it to them. For example, your partner may force you to sign papers that say they now own your car or home or are joint owners.  

Other types of abuse 

An abusive partner might make you feel guilty because they pay for everything. For example, they might pressure you to perform sexual acts because they're the only one working. 

They might get angry, physically violent, or yell at you when you ask them about their money or if you refuse to give them your money.  

They may also force you to take loans that they use to buy things for themselves. But you're responsible for paying back the loan. 

These are only some examples of financial abuse.