Diana Clement: The tell-tale signs of financial abuse
August 8, 2022
Opinion: Family violence often focuses on physical acts. What’s often not discussed is financial or economic abuse
It’s widespread in New Zealand and is the basis of a campaign by social lender GoodShepherd New Zealand to raise awareness.
Victims of financial abuse don’t always realise what’s happening. The tell-tale signs, says Nicola Eccleton, manager social inclusion at Good Shepherd, include:
• Having to ask for money for basic needs. • Being coerced to stay home and not work. • Not having access to the family bank account. • Being denied decision-making power over how the household money is spent.