Money and control in relationships

Money is a common source of arguments. But sometimes it is used as a tool of control. This is sometimes called economic abuse.

Signs

• One person controls all the money and gives the other an allowance
• You have to account for every purchase
• You are stopped from working or studying
• Debts are taken out in your name
• You do not know what money you have

Why it matters

Economic control makes it much harder to leave. It is recognised as a form of abuse in many countries.

First steps

• Find out what accounts and debts are in your name
• If safe, start putting a little money aside
• Keep important documents somewhere safe
• Talk to a domestic abuse service about financial safety

It can happen to men as well as women.