While she eventually mustered the strength to leave the relationship, the repercussions of the financial abuse were ongoing.
Nicole Madigan reports for Kidspot.
Sara was eventually referred to Redfern Legal Centre.
Her case highlights the importance of frontline community services, that help the thousands of women and men impacted by economic and financial abuse.
Laura Bianchi, team leader and solicitor at Redfern Legal Centre’s Financial Abuse Service, says among women who seek help from domestic violence services, up to 90 per cent have experienced financial abuse.
“The majority of our clients have tens of thousands of dollars of debt from being coerced into getting loans and credit cards in their name for their partner’s benefit. For example, we have advised clients who have loans for vehicles they don’t even have the licence to drive. This financial sabotage can persist well beyond the end of a relationship if it damages the victim-survivor’s credit record.
"There are also cases where women are controlled and isolated through the abuser restricting access to money itself. This could include,“not allowing them to work, giving them an allowance that barely covers basic living expenses, forcing them to make early withdrawals from superannuation, or taking control of their social security benefits."
Read the full article here. (13 November 2020)
