Domestic abuse can be abuse by anyone in the household—parent, child, partner, spouse, roommate, sibling, etc.  It can include any or all of the following: physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse as well as coercion, stalking, threats and manipulation.  Children and pets may be used as pawns in the manipulation. The abuse may be caused by many different reasons. Domestic abuse is the more popular term.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is between two people in a romantic relationship and the cause is always about control.  They may or may not be living in the same household.  IPV doesn’t necessarily end when the relationship does.  The behaviors may be the same as domestic abuse: physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse as well as coercion, stalking, threats and manipulation.  Children and pets may also be used as pawns in the manipulation. IPV is a newer term and is more often used by academics and professionals working in this field.

Financial abuse is when one person uses money to gain power and control in a relationship.  It may be that they conceal information, hide money, limit the partner’s access to assets, steal money, forge signatures, coerce signing away assets or obligating debt, and ruin a partner’s credit.  Financial abuse can happen independently or along with other forms of abuse. When there is intimate partner violence, 99% of the time, there is also financial abuse.  It is not unusual that victims do not know they are being financially abused. Financial abuse doesn’t necessarily end when the relationship ends. Again, it is motivated by control and power over the partner.

Although financial and economic abuse are often used interchangeably, economic abuse is when the abuser limits the partner’s ability to earn, sabotages their work, refuses to allow opportunities to gain education, training or to participate in work-related events to limit their partner’s chances to support themself.

• It feels normal if they grew up in a household where one person controlled all the money.

• It feels caring when the partner offers to support the family, handle the bills or take care of you and the control typically happens gradually.

• They lack confidence or knowledge to handle money so they are happy to let the partner take care of finances.

• They trust their partner and do not ask questions, check accounts or read things before signing them.

• There’s no physical violence so even if there is control and fear, they don’t think it counts as abuse.

• The abuser lies and hides money/investments, so the survivor is unaware of what is happening. 

“Victim” is more commonly used when someone is experiencing the abuse or being referred to in the legal and medical systems.  “Survivor” is more commonly used when someone has left an abusive relationship and is on the path to healing and recovery. It focuses more on resilience, strength and being empowered to move forward. 

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men have experienced severe physical violence by a partner. (CDC, National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey)

• On average, twenty people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner in the United States. (NCADV)

• Leaving is the most dangerous time. Survivors are at increased risk of violence when they try to leave an abusive relationship. (National Domestic Violence Hotline)

• 99% of domestic violence cases involve some form of financial abuse. (Center for Financial Security, University of Wisconsin)

• 80% of survivors say they stayed with their abuser longer because of financial concerns. (Allstate Foundation Purple Purse)

• Financial insecurity is the number one reason victims stay or return to abusive relationships. (Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence)

• Survivors who experience financial abuse are more likely to face long-term economic hardship, including damaged credit, housing instability, and difficulty finding employment (Center for Survivor Agency and Justice)

Yes. Generally elder abuse is motivated by gaining access to an elder’s money and other assets.  Financial abuse by a partner, especially if there is also intimate partner violence, is about controlling the partner.  The methods may be the same but they are motivated by control and power. Many of the strategies and regulations in place to protect elders from financial abuse can be applied to survivors of abuse.

• 88% require training for all frontline and customer service staff to detect & report elder financial abuse.

• 80% place holds on suspicious transaction in elder customer’s accounts.

• 62% have dedicated staff to manage elder customer programs.

• 53% offer products for elders with favorable terms like low or no minimum balance requirements, reduced monthly maintenance fees, and discounted safety deposit boxes.

It’s a strong starting point, but not sufficient. While the procedures, regulations, technology, and training used to identify irregularities or suspicious transactions and monitor accounts can often carry over, additional training is essential. Staff must also understand the dynamics of financial abuse within intimate relationships and be able to recognize signs of domestic abuse. Unlike responding to external fraud, working with couples where one partner is the abuser requires a discreet, trauma-informed approach that prioritizes the survivor’s safety and access to resources—while protecting their financial security.

• Safety: Money can be saved safely to prepare to escape.

• Independence: Bank records can be used in court to show financial responsibility for child custody.

• Security: Alerts and other safeguards monitor and protect their money.

• Direct Deposit: Ensures their paychecks and tax returns are safely deposited.

• Save on Fees: Can avoid check cashing and late payment fees as well as having free access for using a notary.

• Overdraft Protection: Prevents bounced checks and extra charges.

• Convenience:  Access to ATMs and automatic payments.

• Credit and Loan Benefits: Special loan terms and credit building assistance may be available.

• Educational Resources: May provide classes or online resources to help customers manage their money.

• Reduced Risk: Helping survivors gain financial stability can reduce loan defaults and unpaid fees due to a partner’s sabotage. Having specialized staff trained to recognize and address the needs of abuse survivors, banks can better detect and prevent financial exploitation, identify theft, or fraudulent activity by a partner stealing or misusing the survivor’s accounts. Long term, informed survivors are less likely to become victims of elder abuse as they age.

• Loyal Customers: Being there for survivors when they need you builds relationships that pay off with loyal, long-term customers that leads to more loans, mortgages and investment products in the future.

• Community Image: Being known for supporting a worthy cause shows enhances the bank’s image attracting customers who value ethical practices and corporate social responsibility.

• Staff Engagement and Morale: Employees report higher job satisfaction and engagement working in an environment that prioritizes social good. They are more motivated and have lower turnover rates. Attracts new employees who want to work for a bank known for its ethical practices.

• Minimize Future Abuse:  Helping survivors be financially literate and stable can make them less vulnerable to scams and elder abuse as they age.