Economic Abuse: Recognising the Signs and Reclaiming Financial Control

Prosper Admin
Oct 20
3 min read

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Economic abuse is a form of control that strips away a person’s financial autonomy, often quietly and insidiously. It can involve restricting access to money, sabotaging employment, or coercing financial decisions — and it disproportionately affects women. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2.3% of women have experienced economic abuse in the past 12 months, with many more facing long-term financial consequences.

What Is Economic Abuse?

Economic abuse occurs when one partner uses money or financial systems to exert power over another. This can include controlling bank accounts, withholding access to income, forcing debt, or preventing someone from working. Unlike physical violence, economic abuse often leaves no visible scars — but its impact can be just as devastating.

Women may find themselves unable to leave unsafe relationships due to financial dependence, or they may emerge from separation burdened with debt, poor credit, and little financial literacy. Recognising these patterns is the first step toward reclaiming control.

Recognising the Signs

Economic abuse can be subtle. It may look like a partner insisting on managing all finances, discouraging you from working, or making large purchases without consent. Over time, these behaviours erode confidence and create dependency. If you feel anxious about asking for money, unsure of your financial position, or unable to make independent decisions, it’s worth exploring whether economic abuse may be present.

The “Restoring Financial Safety” report by Westjustice outlines common phases of economic abuse, including entrapment, escalation, and post-separation sabotage — where abusers continue to manipulate finances even after the relationship ends.

Recovery Strategies and Support

Rebuilding after economic abuse requires both emotional and financial support. The “Financial Security Pathways” framework developed by CWES recommends a multi-step approach: stabilising income, repairing credit, accessing legal and financial advice, and rebuilding financial capability.

Start by gathering documentation — bank statements, debts, superannuation records — and seeking support from financial counsellors or community legal services. Many organisations now offer trauma-informed financial coaching, recognising the emotional toll of economic abuse. If you’re eligible, emergency relief and transitional housing may also be available.

Reclaiming Financial Independence

Financial independence is not just about money — it’s about choice, safety, and dignity. Rebuilding may take time, but every step matters. Learning to budget, understanding superannuation, and setting financial goals can restore confidence and create a sense of agency.

Banks like CommBank have launched dedicated programs to support survivors of financial abuse, offering discreet account access, debt waivers, and financial recovery pathways. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that economic safety is a cornerstone of personal wellbeing.

How Prosper Financial Planning Supports You

Rebuilding after economic abuse isn’t just about numbers — it’s about restoring confidence, safety, and choice. At Prosper Financial Planning, we understand the emotional weight that financial control can carry. That’s why we offer financial advice tailored to women navigating recovery, separation, or rebuilding from financial hardship.

We help you take practical steps: reviewing your financial position, rebuilding credit, protecting assets, and creating a roadmap toward independence. Whether you need support with budgeting, superannuation, insurance, or long-term planning, we walk beside you — with empathy, clarity, and zero judgment.

You deserve to feel safe, informed, and in control of your financial future. At Prosper FP, we’re here to help you reclaim it.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to turn reflection into action, book a complimentary consultation with Prosper Financial Planning. Let’s build a future that honours your strength, your story, and your financial goals.