NZ’s hidden abuse: ‘I had the biggest beating of my life over $5 – because I didn’t have it to give to him’

June’s* first husband would spend all his money on drinking, cars and clothes and leave her to pay all the bills.

After he had spent all his money he would take money from her to buy petrol or cigarettes and when there was no money there was physical violence.

“I had the biggest beating of my life over $5 – because I didn’t have it to give to him.”

For Sarah* it began when her first husband left her and she had to go into bankruptcy as she was guarantor for his debts.

When she met her second husband she had low self-esteem and just let him take charge of their finances.

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