What is Financial Abuse?

What Is Financial Abuse? It is a form of abuse involving stealing money from someone, denying money from someone or using money to exert control and power over them. Types of Financial Abuse

• • Stealing money from someone
• • Taking control of someone's finances
• • Placing an "allowance" on a partner and controlling their access to money
• • Recklessly spending someone else's money
• • Tricking a senior into giving their money away in a scam
• • Taking advantage of an elderly family member to use their money

Warning Signs of Financial Abuse Someone appears to have to ask permission from their spouse to make simple purchases They make references to their "allowance" There is clear imbalance of financial power, such as one spouse driving a luxury car while the other is given an old and cheap car Someone makes reference to being told to quit their job or prevented from getting a job by their spouse Tips for Preventing Financial Abuse How to Prevent Future Financial Abuse

• • Budget and save where you can
• • Build up your own nest egg that can be used in emergency situations
• • Do not return to your abuser under any circumstances
• • Talk openly with family and friends about what financial abuse is like and how they can help

How To Report Financial Abuse Record what you believe is happening and gather evidence if you can. After that, you can report the abuse. To report:

• • Contact the National Domestic-Violence Hotline (800-799-7233).
• • Consider reaching out directly to the police.