When it comes to domestic abuse, many think that it's only about physical battery. We seldom talk about the emotional and financial implications of being in an abusive relationship. We sometimes question why victims don't just leave - without considering the financial implications of doing so, as well as other harm that may befall them. Often abusers will use emotional-control tactics, such as isolating their partner and creating a dependency to trap them. One of the ways to deny a person autonomy and independence is to take over their finances. Abusers might not be overt in their approach. They'll perhaps start by dictating how the person spends money. They'll try to take the financial reins under the guise of protecting their victim against themselves. To achieve this, they might offer to take over the household finances - suggesting that income is pooled and the victim gets an allowance. This won't go both ways: one person will get an allowance while the other spends as and when ...
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