Red flags that someone might be experiencing economic harm

May 10, 2022

To protect and support friends and whānau, it’s useful to be able to recognise behaviours that indicate economic harm could be occurring. 

We share various red flags that could mean someone you know is experiencing economic harm – a form of family violence that can have a long-lasting impact.

What is economic harm?

Economic harm is an illegal behaviour towards a person that controls, restricts or removes their access to money, economic resources or participation in financial decisions.

It is experienced in many close personal relationships, particularly intimate partner relationships. It may also include forms of elder abuse. 

Economic harm can take forms in all shapes and sizes. It can easily go unnoticed to begin with.


Red flags

Below are some scenarios that may cause concern. Individually these may mean very little, however several together can show a pattern of behaviour that indicates economic harm may be occurring.

They don't seem to know how much money they have
They have taken on unexpected debt that seems out of character
They don't have disposable income but their partner does
They avoid or stop attending social activities
They are unable to return text messages or phone calls
They continually wear old or worn clothing in a way that is inconsistent with their partner’s grooming
They do work they don’t want to do
They don’t work but they want to
They seem increasingly guilty or concerned about spending money on themselves
They go without food or don’t see a doctor when needed
They need new clothes but make excuses to go without
They don’t have or constantly need money for basic items (bus money, toilet paper etc.), even though they have an income to cover those things
They stress out about money when they have just been paid
Their partner seems to spend a disproportionate amount of money on their own ‘wants’
They take less care of their appearance when it was once very important
Previous
Next
The don't seem to know how much money they have
They have taken on unexpected debt that seems out of character
They don't have disposable income but their partner does
They avoid or stop attending social activities
They are unable to return text messages or phone calls
They continually wear old or worn clothing in a way that is inconsistent with their partner’s grooming
They do work they don’t want to do
they don’t work when they do want to
They seem increasingly guilty or concerned about spending money on themselves
They go without food or don’t see a doctor when needed
They need new clothes but make excuses to go without
They don’t have or constantly need money for basic items (bus money, toilet paper etc.), even though they have an income to cover those things
They stress out about money when they have just been paid
Their partner seems to spend a disproportionate amount of money on their own ‘wants’
They take less care of their appearance when it was once very important
Previous
Next

What should you do if someone you know is experiencing economic harm

The most important factor to keep in mind is that someone who is experiencing economic harm may not feel comfortable or safe having a conversation with their partner about what is happening with their money. 

They also may not be ready to disclose the harm they are experiencing to anyone else.

If you are concerned, you can encourage them to reach out for support, or encourage them to read more about actions they can take on our economic harm hub. 

 

Support

Our Economic Harm Specialists can provide support with the financial challenges of family violence. They have experience in financial capability and advocacy and working with those who have experienced family violence or economic harm. 

You can speak to an Economic Harm Specialist by calling 0800 466 370 and selecting option 4. Or you can complete our online form.

If economic harm is occurring, other forms of family violence may also be present and family violence agencies are best placed to work with you to establish whether other forms of abuse are occurring.

It is important to take some form of action to stop or address economic harm, but only when it is safe to do so.

Get support

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