Financial Safety Planning

Financial abuse, a common aspect of domestic violence, can create profound barriers to leaving abusive relationships.  Financial abuse is a set of controlling behaviors around money and finances that abusers use to gain power over their partner. These behaviors include shutting a partner out of financial decisions, hiding family income, using threats of financial insecurity to intimidate a partner, limiting and controlling access to money, stealing a partner’s identity, money, or property, preventing them from getting or keeping a job, using male privilege to maintain a role as head of household, and more. Financial abuse might leave someone with little savings, with debt in their name, or no income to support themselves or their children if they leave.

In a healthy relationship, both partners are able to talk openly about their financial goals and values, participate in making plans for achieving their goals, have access to money, and demonstrate openness, honesty and respect.

If you are concerned about financial safety in your relationship, here are some things to consider:

First of all, abuse is never your fault. Although an abusive partner may have questioned your worth or your ability to manage money, you have a right to feel safe and secure in your relationship and to participate equally in financial decisions.

What financial information or important documentation might you need? For example:

• Information about any assets or debts that you are connected to
• Information about accounts in your name or accounts that you share
• Important documents (Identification, Social Security Card, passports, immigration paperwork, birth certificates, insurance cards)
• Relevant financial records like bank statements, receipts, benefit documents and titles or deeds

Do you have money set aside somewhere that you can access if needed?

• Cash set aside
• Money in an account that only you have access to or an account that is not frequently used or monitored by your partner

Do you have access to any income? If so, where does it go?

• If the money is being directly deposited, consider whether it could be made out to you in a check
• Are you eligible for any benefits, such as social security, or unemployment?
• Consider opening a PO Box or having checks sent to a safe friend or relative

Your safety comes first. If you are in immediate danger, please call 911. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, you can reach CWS’ 24-hour crisis and support line at 888-654-2288.

If you would like to set up a time to talk to CWS’ Financial Empowerment Advocate Nichelle Moore to talk about any aspect of financial abuse, financial safety planning, or your financial goals, please call our office at A Safe Place Family Justice Center at 503-655-8600.