Domestic violence affects an estimated 8 million people each year. It is not limited to any gender or orientation, and it can encompass many levels of abuse, such as physical, mental, and emotional. However, another frustrating and frightening form of domestic violence is financial abuse. Although this is most often associated with people taking advantage of the elderly, it can also affect those in marriages or long-term partnerships with an abusive person.
With financial abuse, a person economically restricts his or her partner so that this person is limited in both freedom and security. Because the victim has to rely completely on the abuser, this makes the abuser feel powerful and in control. This can mark the beginning of a devastating cycle of abuse that may seem impossible to escape.
There are several signs that can mean that you are a victim of financial abuse. First, a financial abuser will severely restrict and control your money and credit cards. He or she may not trust you with a credit card, debit card, or account of your own. You may only receive an allowance, and you will probably be forced to keep track of every penny that you spend.
To further your dependence on your abusive partner, he or she may prevent you from getting a job. You may be forced to stay at home instead. If you do have a job, your partner may decide to force you to miss certain days or talk with him or her on the phone in order to restrict your productivity and income. If you have any assets from before the marriage or partnership, you may be forced to give up the control of these items to your abusive partner.
Financial abuse may not seem as dangerous or scarring as physical and mental abuse, but it still relies on a dangerous cycle of forced dependence. If you are the victim of domestic abuse, you may need legal help to separate you from your abusive partner. To discuss your legal options, please contact a Raleigh domestic violence attorney from the Marshall & Taylor Law Firm, P.C., today.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Financial-Abuse-in-Domestic-Relationships&id=4589009
Banner
Banner
