Financial Abuse is a Serious Concern
Financial abuse robs victims of their money, assets, security, and peace of mind. In some cases, it leaves them destitute, dependant, and heavily in debt. Some victims need to take out personal loans or signature loans just to have everyday cash that their abusers do not let them have. Unfortunately, financial abuse can also be hard to spot. It leaves no bruises and many victims are too embarrassed or afraid to seek help. Loved ones, however, may be able to see some signs of this abuse:
1) A victim may seem embarrassed, depressed, angry, withdrawn, or upset for no apparent reason. Like all abuse, financial abuse leaves emotional scars and this can sometimes be visible to a close friend or relative.
2) A victim’s financial situation may suddenly change. A victim, left with no money and assets, will change spending habits. They may not have money for simple purchases, may move out of their home to a smaller location, or may suddenly show signs of neglect or financial distress.
3) A victim may suddenly seem under undue influence of someone else. A perpetrator will usually exert a lot of control over a victim. A victim may defer to a perpetrator on all decisions and a perpetrator may suddenly be making all legal and financial decisions in a relationship.…