The duality of financial abuse against women

Financial abuse against women can manifest in various ways beyond simply limiting a partner's access to money. One partner may refuse to take financial responsibility and instead exploit the other's income, according to Rene Moonsamy, director at National Debt Counsellors. Financial abuse can occur in multiple directions, not only through a partner controlling the other's access to money but also when one partner avoids financial responsibility and burdens the other with unreasonable financial obligations.

Research has documented such behaviour, including male partners who become chronically dependent on working women or intentionally refuse to fulfill household financial obligations. A study in the Journal of Family Issues revealed working women reported financial sabotage, such as their husbands' chronic economic dependency and abandonment of family financial responsibilities.

Some women used their own money to support their households while their partners were unemployed or earning little, but in some cases, their partners deliberately refused to provide financial support and relied on the women, leading to debt and relationship conflict. Moonsamy warns that a woman supporting a partner financially does not automatically equate to an abusive relationship.

The key difference lies when a woman is expected to carry the financial burden without genuine agreement, especially if her partner could contribute but refuses. This expectation can leave the financially responsible partner over-indebted and vulnerable over time. Australian research into economic abuse found women and other victims described partners repeatedly asking for money, persuading them to lend without repayment, paying for everything, or making them responsible for joint debts.

Some partners concealed their debt, earnings, or employment status. One study of university students found that 18% reported at least one form of economic abuse, with the most common being being made to use their own money to buy for their partner or pay bills when they didn't want to. Economic abuse can have severe consequences for women's financial security, limiting their access to economic opportunities and assets, damaging long-term financial capabilities, and increasing the risk of depression and post-traumatic stress symptoms.

Even employment does not guarantee protection from economic abuse, as it can restrict women's employment opportunities, force them into exploitative jobs, and negatively impact their careers and wellbeing in the long run. Moonsamy emphasizes that a healthy financial relationship doesn't require both partners to contribute equally.

Transparency, contribution, and shared responsibility are crucial in a healthy financial relationship, with both partners understanding and agreeing on how household financial responsibilities are carried out.