Women who experience economic abuse often don’t know where to turn for help, prompting advocates to call for specialist services to confront the scourge.
Four in five women don’t know where to seek support for economic abuse, according to research by the Centre for Women’s Economic Safety.
The data found just 15 per cent of victim-survivors sought help, but of those almost 45 per cent were unable to access support.
Economic abuse, experienced by one in six women and one in 13 men, occurs when a perpetrator attempts to prevent or control another person’s income, spending, bank accounts or other economic resources, causing emotional harm or fear.
It often precedes physical violence and usually happens alongside other forms of abuse.
Wednesday marks International Economic Abuse Awareness Day and is recognised during the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence marked in November and December.
Economic abuse is pervasive and too often hidden as a form of domestic and family violence, the centre’s founder Rebecca Glenn said.
“It leaves women in precarious financial circumstances and impacts their wellbeing,” she said.
“Despite its prevalence, services that support women experiencing economic abuse are few and far between, meaning many women who seek support are unable to find it.”
Services that are confusing or hard to navigate, safety concerns and lack of access to transport or communication tools are just some of the barriers women face in accessing help.
“The provision of violence and trauma-informed financial counselling, legal services, and social work programs must be tailored to the unique challenges economic abuse presents,” Ms Glenn said.
“This requires investment in the provision of services, and the promotion of services that support women experiencing economic abuse.”
1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)
Lifeline 13 11 14
Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491
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