Financial abuse is a silent form of domestic violence that strips victims of their independence and sense of safety. It occurs when one person uses money or financial control to manipulate, dominate or harm someone in an intimate or family relationship.
Many people fail to recognise this type of abuse until its emotional, psychological and economic effects become overwhelming.
Understanding financial abuse is essential — and that’s where family lawyers can make a difference. Family lawyers can assist victims in regaining control of their finances, accessing legal protections and taking critical steps to safeguard themselves and break free from toxic behaviour.
Please note: this is general information only and not legal advice — please contact VM Family Law for accurate, tailored advice. Our full contact details can be found here: https://www.vmfamilylaw.com.au/contact/
What Is Financial Abuse?
Financial abuse is a form of domestic violence where one person uses money and financial control as a means to manipulate, dominate or harm another person in a family or intimate relationship. Unlike physical violence, this form of abuse often leaves no visible scars, making it harder to identify, but its emotional and economic effects can be just as devastating.
In Queensland, financial abuse is recognised under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 (Qld) as a form of economic abuse. The law defines behaviour that is coercive, controlling or unreasonable and denies a person economic or financial autonomy. This behaviour is part of a broader pattern of coercive control — a series of behaviours designed to create dependency and diminish the victim’s ability to make independent choices.
Examples of Financial Abuse
Financial abuse can manifest in many ways, including:
Controlling finances: restricting access to bank accounts, credit cards or financial resources.
Forcing debt: coercing a partner to sign loans, credit agreements or placing debt in their name.
Sabotaging employment: preventing a partner from working or deliberately creating barriers to their career progress.
Financial surveillance: monitoring expenses, demanding receipts or interrogating purchases.
Withholding financial support: refusing to provide money for basic needs like food, housing or medical expenses.
This form of abuse often occurs alongside other types of violence (physical, emotional, psychological), further deepening the victim’s dependency on the abuser.
Why Is Financial Abuse Sometimes Called “Invisible Control”?
Financial abuse is often referred to as “invisible control” because it doesn’t leave physical marks but erodes a person’s independence over time. For example, when a victim has no access to their own income or is burdened with debts they didn’t agree to, it can feel impossible to leave the relationship. The financial reliance created by the abuser becomes a powerful tool for maintaining dominance, making the victim feel trapped.
Financial abuse is not just a personal issue – it’s a legal one. Recognising it is the first step in seeking protection and justice.
Signs of Financial Abuse
Recognising financial abuse can be challenging, as it often hides behind conventional financial arrangements. However, there are clear warning signs that indicate control or manipulation:
Denied access to bank accounts or finances: the abuser prevents access to joint accounts, savings or resources, creating dependency.
Forced to take on debts: victims coerced into signing loans, credit accounts or contracts they cannot afford.
Prevented from working or sabotaged at work: the abuser restricts employment or undermines the victim’s ability to earn.
Strict monitoring of spending: every purchase is scrutinised, and the victim must justify expenses.
Withholding financial support: basic essentials such as food, rent or medical care are withheld.
Manipulating joint accounts/shared assets: draining joint accounts, selling property without consent, or using shared resources to benefit the abuser.
Imposing an “allowance” with strict rules: the victim is given a small, controlled amount for living expenses while the abuser controls all other funds.
These behaviours are not just toxic—they are abusive. Recognising them early can empower victims to seek help.
The Impact of Financial Abuse on Victims
Financial abuse doesn’t just affect a victim’s wallet — it leaves lasting emotional, psychological and economic scars:
Emotional and psychological toll: victims may experience shame, anxiety, depression and loss of self-esteem as they live under financial control.
Loss of financial independence: when access to money or income is restricted, leaving the relationship can feel impossible.
Long-term debt or financial hardship: victims may be left with significant debt burdens or damaged credit, making future stability difficult.
Barriers to employment: career disruptions caused by the abuser’s interference can leave victims with work gaps and diminished opportunities.
Difficulty rebuilding: recovering from financial abuse often involves complex steps: accessing funds, dealing with joint debts, re-establishing credit and rebuilding independence.
Legal Protections Against Financial Abuse in Queensland
Queensland’s legal framework provides protections for victims of financial abuse, recognising it as a form of domestic or family violence and offering legal pathways to regain control:
Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVOs): Victims can apply under the Domestic and Family Violence Protection Act 2012 to stop financial abuse and place conditions on the abuser (for example, restricting contact with bank accounts or asset control).
Recognition of coercive control: The law increasingly recognises patterns of controlling behaviour—including financial abuse—as serious forms of domestic violence.
Family law and property settlements: In separation or divorce, financial abuse can be a relevant factor in property and asset division decisions, influencing how assets and debts are split.
Child support and spousal maintenance mechanisms: These can ensure the victim and any children receive financial contributions even when the abuser attempts to manipulate resources.
Access to legal aid and free services: Victims may be eligible for assistance from Legal Aid Queensland and other community services to help with applications for protection orders or family law matters.
Steps to Seek Help if You’re Experiencing Financial Abuse
Breaking free from financial abuse can feel daunting, but help is available. Here are steps to begin the journey toward independence and safety:
Recognise the abuse: Understanding that financial control is a form of domestic violence is the first step.
Reach out to support services: Contact specialist services (such as domestic violence hotlines) for information and referral.
Secure your finances: Try to open independent bank accounts, gather important documents (IDs, passports, financial records) and take steps to protect your financial independence.
Develop a safety plan: Work with domestic violence services to identify safe accommodation, emergency contacts and steps for an exit strategy if needed.
Seek legal advice: A family lawyer or Legal Aid can help you understand your rights, apply for protection orders, or manage property and debt issues.
Access financial counselling: Professionals can assist with debt management, rebuilding credit and liaising with financial institutions to regain stability.
How Family Lawyers Can Help Victims of Financial Abuse
If you’re experiencing financial abuse, working with experienced family lawyers can make a big difference. They can:
Protect your legal rights, including applying for DVOs and enforcing family law rights.
Guide you through property settlements and financial recovery, considering the impact of abuse.
Support you to secure financial independence via maintenance, child support or settlements.
Provide ongoing support through each step, helping you feel confident in your decisions and your future.
If you need help, contact VM Family Law on 07 3447 8966 to book a consultation. We’re here to support you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What qualifies as financial abuse under Queensland law?
Financial abuse includes using money or financial control to dominate or harm a person in a family or intimate relationship. Queensland recognises this under its domestic violence laws.
Can financial abuse happen without physical violence?
Yes. Financial abuse may occur alongside emotional or verbal abuse and does not always involve physical harm.
What legal protections are available for victims of financial abuse in Queensland?
Victims may apply for DVOs, receive legal assistance, and have property and asset division decisions made with financial abuse in mind.
How can I recover financially after leaving an abusive relationship?
Seek help from financial counsellors, work on securing independent finances, and use legal advice to address joint debts, asset sharing and child/spousal support.
Are there free legal services in Queensland for financial abuse cases?
Yes. Services like Legal Aid Queensland offer free legal advice and support for domestic and family violence matters.
What is coercive control?
Coercive control involves a pattern of behaviours aimed at controlling, dominating or isolating a person—financial abuse is one element of this broader set of abusive behaviours.
How can I help a friend who is experiencing financial abuse?
Listen without judgement, share information about support services and legal options, and encourage them to reach out for help when safe to do so.
Conclusion
Financial abuse is a serious and often hidden form of domestic violence. In Queensland, recognising the signs and taking steps to seek help is crucial for breaking free and rebuilding safety and independence.
At VM Family Law, we are committed to helping victims of financial abuse regain control, access legal protections and rebuild their lives. To book a consultation, call 07 3447 8966 or visit our website to take the first step toward your safety and independence.
Official Information Sources
Queensland Law Handbook – https://queenslandlawhandbook.org.au/
Federal Circuit & Family Court of Australia – https://www.fcfcoa.gov.au/
Legal Aid Queensland – https://www.legalaid.qld.gov.au/
Queensland Government – Families & Legal Relationships – https://www.qld.gov.au/families/legal
Family Relationships Online – https://www.familyrelationships.gov.au/
Queensland Law Society – https://www.qls.com.au/
