Web resource:	http://www.wire.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/WIRE-Research-Report_Relationship-Problems-and-Money-Women-talk-about-financial-abuse-August2014.pdf
Type:	Non-Fiction
Title:	Relationship problems and money : women talk about financial abuse
Authors:	Cameron, Prue
Keywords:	Financial abuse
Year:	2014
Publisher:	West Melbourne
Notes:	Women's financial hardship and insecurity, caused by financial abuse in the context of family violence, is a serious concern, particularly considering the increasing feminisation of poverty in Australia. Financial abuse in intimate relationships is widespread and common, but because this form of abuse is deeply embedded in a complex web of social, gendered and personal beliefs and norms, it is often hidden and unrecognised, even by women who experience it. This project is driven by the need to better understand and address the serious and ongoing consequences of financial abuse in the lives of women and their children. In particular, it examines the barriers women face to building their financial independence and long-term security post-separation. More than two hundred women from across the social, cultural and income spectrum shared their stories for this project. They have provided rich and detailed insights into the nature and impacts of financial abuse, within their relationship and after separation. The research literature shows that the majority of women (80–90 per cent) seeking support from domestic violence services have experienced financial abuse. Unlike previous research, this project intentionally included women who had not accessed these services and did not necessarily identify as experiencing family violence. This research further adds to our understanding about this issue through the inclusion of women whose household income was in a high bracket prior to their separation. This has resulted in insights into the hidden nature and diverse impacts of financial abuse on women's lives. This research reveals a range of financially abusive behaviours that are typically linked to psychological, emotional and/or physical abuse. The financially abusive former partners of the participants fall into three broad types: the controllers, who use a combination of abusive behaviours to exert their power over their family; the exploiters, who eschew all responsibility but also use a variety of forms of abuse to financially exploit their partner for their own financial needs; and the schemers, the men who had a specific plan to systematically steal the woman's financial resources and leave. Whichever type of financial abuse the research participants experienced, the impact on their lives was devastating. This research highlights the lack of awareness, understanding and recognition of financial abuse in the community generally. This means that not only are the women who are experiencing financial abuse unable to identify and address their situation, but also that there are no strategies in place for prevention and early intervention. Significantly, the lack of understanding among many of the key professionals, service providers and agencies engaging with women in this situation means that perpetrators are able to continue their abuse by using the systems that are in place to protect women from family violence. This research reinforces the need for education and information about financial abuse in the context of family violence. As well as being directed at the general public, information should be specifically targeted at service providers, legal and health professionals and those working in relevant institutions, including banks and other financial services, real estate agencies, schools and child care facilities as well as government agencies such as the Child Support Agency and Centrelink. [abstract adapted from wire's abridged executive summary with permission]
URI:	https://anrows.intersearch.com.au/anrowsjspui/handle/1/11618
Physical description:	66 p. ; ill.
Appears in Collections:	Books

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