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, often called financial or economic abuse, is recognised as a form of psychological abuse within the Family Violence Act.
It is experienced in many close personal relationships, particularly intimate partner relationships. It may also include forms of elder abuse.
“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.”
Unlike physical violence, economic harm is less visible and does not leave marks; the impact can be debilitating, and can affect financial security well into the future.
In situations where demands are refused, what begins as economic abuse can lead to other forms of abuse such as yelling, threats and more violent behaviour.
Understanding economic harm
Economic harm can impact all ages, socio-economic groups, cultures, ethnicities and genders.
It may also present differently in some cultures due to traditions and beliefs, or the systemic experience of colonisation.
Economic harm is experienced in the context of power and control and is often intentional, but not always.
Like other forms of violence it can be subtle, beginning with the smallest breach of trust, and then build over time.
Economic harm can also be a product of intergenerational learning, role modelling, previous trauma, belief systems, limited knowledge, traditions etc.
It is most evident when a specific pattern of behaviour is occurring – such as coercion, withholding financial access or support, deceptive behaviour or unreasonable control that limits another persons’ economic or financial involvement – including resources such as accommodation, transport, employment and clothing.
It may also involve limited or no participation in decisions or actions relating to financial and economic wellbeing.
What does economic harm look like?
Other behaviour may be occuring, particularly if a person is trying to leave the relationship, which can be the most dangerous time.
This could be such things as:
Human relationships are complex.
There are many things to navigate in a close personal relationship, and one of the most common challenges is money and finances.
Discussions about money will surface at some point and are not only necessary, but can be difficult regardless of how healthy a relationship is.
There is however, a difference between “money problems” that a couple works on together to resolve, and the financial controlling that can lead to economic harm.
Is it happening to me?
- Do you have to ask for money or explain your spending needs for everyday items or basic needs? If your answer is yes, you could be experiencing economic harm.
- Have you ever been coerced/forced to give up your job, go to work or stay home? If your answer is yes, you could be experiencing economic harm.
- Do you have access to the money in your personal and family bank account? If your answer is no, you could be experiencing economic harm.
- Are you allowed to know how much debt your family has? If your answer is no, you could be experiencing economic harm.
- Do you have some or equal decision making power over how the household money is spent? If your answer is no, you could be experiencing economic harm.
The impact of economic harm
Economic harm has both short and long term consequences.
The impact is complex, and cuts across many environments, often leading to years of debilitating economic and social conditions.
Credit and debt
Social isolation
Self-esteem
Employment
Legal system
Lack of choice
The impact on children
In families where harm is occurring, it is often hoped that children are protected by not seeing or hearing what’s happening.
There are however psychological, emotional, environmental and economic factors associated with harm that can have a significantly negative impact.
Children’s basic and developmental needs can be disrupted or limited, along with their social and educational opportunities, due to lack of access to finances.
Parents or caregivers can become emotionally unavailable and children may need to negotiate issues that occur at home.
They can be left feeling responsible, confused and isolated.
Their confidence and self-esteem can become eroded, impacting their overall wellbeing and psychological recovery. In the long term, economic abuse can negatively affect a child’s mental wellbeing, and lead to social and/or behavioural issues, depending on their age, the level of harm and the length of exposure.
Our 2018 research report explores economic abuse, specifically as a form of intimate partner violence (IPV), where men perpetrate violence against women in New Zealand.
Our research aims to gain a more comprehensive understanding of what economic abuse means in the New Zealand economic and social context.
We acknowledge that men also experience economic abuse, however, in line with our mission, this work focuses primarily on women.
Finding support
Our Debt Coaches are here to support you if you are experiencing financial difficulty. Our Debt Coaches are trained in advocacy and understand the impact of economic harm.
If you are concerned about economic harm or want to talk to someone about the money side of your relationship, please call one of our Debt Coaches on 0800 466 370.
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
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
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
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
Other useful resources
Downloadable PDFs
Downloadable pdf versions of the information on this website.
Economic Abuse – how do I know it is happening?
Economic Abuse – what is the impact?
Resources
Research
Published by the Good Shepherd network in New Zealand and Australia –
Economic Abuse in New Zealand: Towards an understanding and response. (2018)
Restoring Financial Safety: Legal responses to economic abuse. (2015)
Economic Abuse: Searching for solutions. A spolight on economic abuse research report. (2013)
