The many faces of economic violence.
Economic violence occurs in many different forms.
The project Taloudellinen väkivalta tutuksi (“Recognize the economic violence”) will be implemented nationwide by VIOLA – väkivallasta vapaaksi association, Vaasan ensi- ja turvakoti association and project partners in the period 1.5.2021 – 30.4.2024.
There is no systematic and comprehensive information on the phenomenon of economic violence and the help provided to its victims. During the planning of the project, it was pointed out that those who need help are identified in practical violence work, but the means of helping are limited and there are structural obstacles to helping.
Economic violence is a silenced problem and less well known than other forms of violence. Economic violence refers to a situation where the perpetrator controls, deprives, or destroys another’s financial resources to undermine his or her financial independence or to benefit himself or herself financially. Typically, economic violence is a form of intimate partner violence, but it can also occur in other intimate relationships, for example against a child, parent, or grandparent.
Economic violence occurs in many different forms and in different close relationships. When, for example, a spouse controls the use of another person’s money in a close relationship, makes all decisions related to money alone, or conceals information about the other or his or her own money, it is a matter of controlling money. Disrupting another’s job or making it harder to get to work are also forms of economic violence. During or after divorce economic violence may occur as manipulating funds, refusing to pay alimony or procrastinating alimony and prolonging custody dispute. After divorce economic violence can get features of persecution.
The project is implemented by VIOLA – väkivallasta vapaaksi and Vaasan ensi- ja turvakoti association.
“It started little by little. In the beginning of the relationship, I often remember helping my spouse financially and paying our common expenses all by myself, such as grocery, refueling and rents. I grew up in a family where responsibility for the economy was shared and I couldn’t imagine not helping my spouse. In the end I paid everyone’s expenses including our children’s expenses and all common expenses although my spouse had higher salary.”
“It started little by little. In the beginning of the relationship, I often remember helping my spouse financially and paying our common expenses all by myself, such as grocery, refueling and rents. I grew up in a family where responsibility for the economy was shared and I couldn’t imagine not helping my spouse. In the end I paid everyone’s expenses including our children’s expenses and all common expenses although my spouse had higher salary.”
You’re not alone. You can get help and support from us.
Help is available for economic violence. Victims of economic violence often need several different services. The jungle of helpers can feel exhausting. In the project, we strive to consider the totality of economic violence and, if necessary, walk alongside you and help you find the right kind of help for you. We will provide you with support and discussion assistance in your situation. You can contact us by phone or email. We serve those who experience economic violence and professionals nationwide in Finnish, Swedish and English.
Knowledge and skills to face economic violence.
The project also aims to develop professionals’ skills to identify and address economic violence in their client or patient work. Understanding the phenomenon serves as a solid foundation for helping those who experience economic violence. Multi-professional help is often needed, and it is important that the victim is not left alone in his or her situation. In the project, we also help professionals to develop their skills to face this hidden form of violence.
If you suspect that your client is being subjected to economic violence or abuse, it is important to talk to him or her. The role of money in the family should be systematically asked about in services, as there is often money behind the problems of individuals and families. Money is also one of most important reasons behind divorce. Disputes over money tend to escalate more seriously than other disputes. Financial problems also increase the risk of suicide, and even family deaths are often caused by financial problems.
You’re not alone.
You’re not alone.