Domestic Awareness month does not have to go away with October. Even though October is over, as you know Domestic Violence is all year long. The Holidays are pretty much here, and it has a big financial impact.  Let’s talk about financial abuse. This is the time, where a lot of money conversations come up. A lot of stress related to money is around the holidays.

According to verywell mind, the definition of Financial abuse is 

Financial abuse involves controlling a victim’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain financial resources. Those who are victimized financially may be prevented from working.

The reason why this is so scary, is because going without basic needs is inhuman. You need food to nourish, gas money to drive, and the ability to be able to get a new pair of panties.  These basic needs should not be held from you!

This form of abuse is often neglected , silent , and overlooked. Financial abuse is actually hard to recognize, but these are some of the signs. 

• Keeps you on an allowance or a budget
• Automatically feels entitled to your income
• Keeps telling you to quit your job, every time you get a job.
• Controls how all of the finances in the home is spent
• Spends your money without you knowing.
• Always find some sort of way to sabotage your career 
• Will not let you better yourself for financial advancement or career advancement
• Limits your access to your own bank account or mutual bank accounts
• Does not contribute because lack of income
• Runs up your credit cards without making any contributions to it.
• Sabotage you from having any income
• Beats you when they can not get money from you

All forms of abuse have to do with control. If you have no way to get money , that makes it almost impossible to leave. I hope that if you or someone you know that’s in this situation, seek help and guidance from a domestic violence counselor. 

The goal is to get out of this situation and not to continue on with this. Do not be embarrassed or ashamed to open up to a  professional.

Peacefully,