Economic Abuse

Sometimes partners use economic tactics to intentionally keep you from leaving a dangerous or unhealthy relationship by gaining control over money and finances. They use intimidation and power to keep you dependent on them so that you won’t leave.

Economic abuse is when your partner:

• Forces you to hand over your paychecks
• Puts you on an impossible budget
• Makes you account for every penny you spend
• Keeps you from getting or keeping a job
• Interferes with your job or your school studies
• Uses your credit card or money without your permission
• Cancels your credit cards or insurance policies without your knowledge
• Does not include your name on your joint bank accounts or joint assets (house, car, motorcycle)
• Controls your access to money or economic resources
• Tries to weaken your ability to support yourself
• Tries to make you dependent financially on them
• Makes it difficult for you to gain financial independence
• Does not treat you like an equal partner in anything money-related

Call the Minnesota Day One Crisis Hotline number 1.866.223.1111 to talk about your options, receive information and learn about resources. Advocates in the Day One network can help you develop a safety plan and give you options of how and when to leave, if this is an option you are considering.