How Controlling Your Partner’s Finances Can Be Considered Abuse
When we think about domestic abuse, we often think about physical or emotional harm. However, abuse can also involve money. Financial control is a form of economic abuse that can have a significant impact on a person’s independence, security and ability to leave an abusive relationship.
Financial control can take many forms. A partner may restrict access to bank accounts, monitor spending, control wages or benefits, refuse to contribute towards household costs, or insist that their partner asks for money. In some cases, someone may also build up debt in their partner’s name, prevent them from working, or deliberately damage their credit history.
In the UK, economic abuse is recognised as a form of domestic abuse. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 specifically recognises economic abuse as part of the wider definition of domestic abuse. This means that controlling or restricting someone’s access to money and financial resources can form part of an abusive pattern of behaviour.
The impact of financial control should not be underestimated. Without access to money, a person may struggle to pay for essentials such as food, housing or transport. They may also feel unable to seek help or leave the relationship because they have no independent financial resources.
Financial control is not about how much you earn
It is important to understand that financial control is not simply about one partner earning more money or couples choosing to manage their finances differently. The key issue is whether one person is deliberately restricting the other person’s financial independence or using money to control, intimidate or exploit them.
Recognising the signs of financial control can be an important first step. If you or someone you know may be experiencing economic abuse, support is available through domestic abuse organisations and specialist services across the UK.
Bryan & Armstrong can support you with all aspects of family law, from divorce, domestic abuse, legal aid, unmarried couple disputes, arrangements for children and starting a new relationship
