Economic Harm Explained
Economic harm is behaviour towards a person that controls, restricts or removes their access to money, economic resources or participation in financial decisions. Economic harm,
Read More » Economic harm doesn’t leave visible marks. Like other forms of family violence, it can be subtle – beginning with the smallest breach of trust and building over time.
Economic harm can happen to anyone. It is experienced in the context of power and control within a relationship.
The impact can be devastating and can affect financial wellbeing long after the relationship is over.
Explore our resources that are designed to build understanding and support people to address economic harm in their own lives.
Economic Harm
Economic harm doesn’t leave visible marks. Like other forms of family violence, it can be subtle – beginning with the smallest breach of trust and building over time.
Economic harm can happen to anyone. It is experienced in the context of power and control within a relationship.
The impact can be devastating and can affect financial wellbeing long after the relationship is over.
Explore our resources that are designed to build understanding and support people to address economic harm in their own lives.
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“It was like he had an image of a perfect girlfriend. He would decide what I wore, where I went, who I saw and give me as much money as he thought I needed for the things he agreed that I could do.”
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"I wanted to work, but he kept finding more and more things for me to do at home. He wanted me to be like his mother, keep the house in a certain way, and bake, and always be home to make his life comfortable."
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"We had a joint bank account, but I didn't realise we weren't on the same page. I still don't know how she spent all that money - it's taken me years to get on top of the debt."
Explore economic harm
Support For Employers
Family violence, including economic harm, has a significant impact on employee wellbeing and costs New Zealand employers over $350 million dollars annually. Trends overseas suggest
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Research: Economic Abuse in New Zealand
Research: Economic Abuse in New Zealand Research: Economic Abuse in New Zealand Our 2018 research report explores economic abuse, specifically as a form of intimate partner violence
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Your Banking
Understanding your banking and what economic harm support is available can help you work through challenging life events including economic harm. The first place to
Read More » Other useful resources
How to recognise economic harm
Economic harm doesn’t leave visible marks. Like other forms of violence, it can be subtle
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Having conversations about money
Conversations about money are an important part of any healthy relationship. We explore financial wellbeing
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Economic Harm Awareness Day
Help us raise awareness of economic harm this November. Economic harm is a form of
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Economic harm vs economic abuse
What comes to mind when you think about the word abuse? Is it a word that you
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How to improve financial wellbeing in the workplace
Supporting financial wellbeing at work improves employee retention, productivity and work culture. Your employees’ financial
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Healthy Relationships Toolkit
Find all the tools you need to have healthy conversations about money with your partner.
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Why conversations about money matter
Healthy financial conversations with your partner are just as important as any other relationship conversation.
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Akapeea koe e kite ei te tu takinokino o te turanga moni
To celebrate Cook Islands Language Week our Economic Harm Facilitator, Kiti Tauira, has translated our
Read More » Finding support
Our Financial Wellbeing Coach – Economic Harm can provide support with the financial challenges of family violence. Our coach has experience in financial capability and advocacy, and working with those who have experienced family violence/economic harm.
Please call 0800 466 370 and ask to speak to our Financial Wellbeing Coach – Economic Harm.
You can also contact our Financial Wellbeing Coach by completing our online form.
If you suspect economic harm is occurring, other forms of family violence may also be present. Family violence agencies are best placed to work with you to establish whether other forms of abuse are occurring in your relationship and we would encourage you to call one of the agencies listed below.
It is important to take some form of action to stop or address economic harm, but only when it is safe to do so.
If your safety is at immediate risk, please ring the New Zealand Police – 111
Family Violence Support
Women’s Refuge New Zealand – 0800 733 843 (crisis line)
Shine – 0508 774 633 (9am-11pm every day)
Aviva (Christchurch) – 0800 28482 669
Shakti – 0800 742 584 (24 hours)
Are you ok? – 0800 456 450
Family violence Information Line – 0800 456 450 (9am-11pm every day)
Gandhi Nivas – (Auckland) 0800 426 344 Support for men
Men’s Health – Support for Men
He Waka Tapu – 0800 Hey Bro (439 279) for support to stop using violence
Legal Support
Your local family violence specialist support providers are likely to be able to recommend a good lawyer for you who can do legal aid.
You can also call one of the national helplines on the previous tab for information about your local specialist services.
Citizens Advice Bureau – Phone 0800 367 222
Youth Law – (under 25years old) – Phone 0800 884 529
Financial Support
Work and Income – 0800 456 450 (specific support for violent relationships)
Money talks – 0800 345 123 or text 4029 or live chat available on website
Sorted– your independent money guide
Good Shepherd NZ – No interest and low interest loans