It is difficult to find a domestic violence organization or group that uses the term domestic in tandem with financial abuse. Arguably, this is not because the two are unrelated but rather because the documentation offered by these organizations deals with one topic at a time instead of grouping subjects together. For example, an article focusing on financial or economic abuse attempts to educate readers about this topic in as comprehensive manner as possible. Articles dealing with domestic violence take the same approach and may not mention financial abuse in the same report.
However, the two issues are definitely related to one another as most abusers rely on more than one tactic to keep their spouse or partner subjugated. If you are a victim of any kind of domestic violence or abuse, it can be helpful to learn as much as possible about the methods abusers use to maintain control of their victims. This blog post will focus on financial abuse by listing some of the forms such abuse can take.
— Preventing victims from holding or obtaining a job
— Limiting or preventing a victim’s from access to funds
— Forcing victims to sign financial documents
— Forcing victims to relinquish control of financial accounts
— Accruing debt in the victim’s name
— Using physical force or threats to obtain and keep control of a victim’s finances
Unfortunately, the above list is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to ways an abuser subjugates his or her victims financially. Whether it is classified as domestic violence or simply financial abuse, victims do have legal remedies. Speaking with a Los Angeles based lawyer can help California victims escape their situations and pursue effective ways to start life anew.
Source: National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, “Facts about Domestic Violence and Economic Abuse,” accessed Oct. 10, 2016