Financial Abuse Is on the Rise: What It Is and What to Do About It
By: Stacy Francis
Feb., 20, 2023
Domestic violence almost always includes financial abuse. Here’s help on identifying and understanding it and how to get help and leave in a safe way.
While financial abuse affects both men and women, women are more frequently the victims. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, 85% of domestic violence victims are women, and unfortunately, the number of incidents is rising. The recent statistics about abuse during the pandemic are worrisome, showing a spike in 911 calls reporting violence against women. States such as New York found that domestic violence reports were up over 30% in April 2020, compared to the year before.
According to UN Women, one in three women worldwide experiences physical or sexual abuse, primarily inflicted on them by a romantic partner. Moreover, since the outbreak of COVID-19, UN Women shares that emerging data shows that domestic violence has intensified and is not going away. In fact, due to increasing financial stress and mental health issues, many families remain at an elevated risk for domestic violence.