Is Economic Abuse Domestic Violence?

Facing accusations of economic abuse can be overwhelming, especially when your financial decisions are being misrepresented as control or manipulation. A change like this can not only damage your reputation but also lead to serious legal consequences, including protective orders or even criminal charges. If you’re in this situation, you need a strong defense strategy—our legal team at Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, PC, can help protect your rights and work toward the best possible outcome in your case.

What is Economic Abuse?

Financial abuse—or economic abuse—is a form of domestic violence. An abusive partner exerts control over their spouse’s financial resources, which can involve restricting access to money and even interfering with employment. When a spouse denies access to finances, it is a method of control and can keep the other spouse from leaving an unhealthy relationship. Financial abuse can be subtle or overt.

How is Economic Abuse a Form of Domestic Violence?

Controlling access to money is a recognized form of domestic violence that often occurs with physical domestic abuse, though the two do not always go hand-in-hand. Even without physical abuse or emotional abuse, economic abuse is a form of domestic violence, as it is a tactic used to manipulate and dominate someone and prevent them from gaining financial security and independence.

What Are Examples of Economic Abuse?

Economic control or abuse involves controlling a victim’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain financial resources. Some examples of economic and financial abuse include:

• Controlling bank accounts and financial decisions
• Withholding financial support, such as child support
• Sabotaging employment to prevent financial independence
• Misusing credit cards or bank accounts
• Harassing someone over financial matters
• Preventing the victim’s access to economic resources and financial information
• Taking someone’s pay
• Taking the children’s savings or birthday money
• Dictating what a person can buy
• Controlling the use of property, such as a vehicle or mobile phone
• Keeping financial information secret
• Stealing someone’s money or property
• Building debt in someone’s name, often without their knowledge

How Do Economic Abuse Charges Impact Your Life?

In an abusive relationship, the tables could turn. Instead of economically abusing you, a spouse could accuse you of economic abuse. Since it is a form of domestic abuse, the courts take this seriously and will often take legal action even before you have a chance to prove the accusations are false.

However, once accused, the harm is already done. The accusations can affect you legally, financially, and personally. If the court finds that you economically abused a current or former partner, you could face criminal charges for theft, fraud, harassment, or criminal coercion. It is imperative that you take these accusations seriously and seek legal representation to protect your rights.

Related Article: What to Do if You’re Served with a Protective Order

What Legal Strategies Exist to Defend a Person Accused of Economic Abuse?

If you have been accused of economic abuse by a family member or spouse, you should retain an experienced domestic violence defense attorney. You will need to prove that the accusations are incorrect, and for that, you will have to show that you had no intent. Your attorney can help you mount a defense based on your circumstances, including financial miscommunication, shared financial responsibility, false accusations, and no intent.

A domestic violence defense attorney will help gather evidence such as financial records, communication logs, and witness statements to support your defense and help you navigate the legal process. You can help your case by documenting your actions, avoiding retaliation or confrontation, and obeying any restraining orders your spouse may have against you.

What Evidence Helps Disprove Economic Abuse Claims?

Evidence that can challenge allegations of economic abuse includes:

• Financial records like bank statements showing shared expenses
• Communication proving mutual financial decisions
• Witness statements supporting your side of the story
• Digital logs showing your spouse logged into bank accounts, credit cards, and other financial accounts
• Surveillance footage of your spouse entering a bank or making other financial transactions
• Court filings, if you have been accused of domestic violence by your spouse in the past, whether it was economic abuse, physical abuse, or emotional abuse (to show a pattern)

Related Article: Can You Press Charges Against Someone for Making False Accusations?

How Can a Lawyer Help with Economic Abuse Allegations?

The role of a defense attorney in handling economic abuse allegations includes assessing the charges and gathering evidence. Your attorney can also challenge the claims of financial control or manipulation. An experienced domestic violence defense attorney can also create a defense strategy for your circumstances to obtain the best possible outcome based on the evidence.

If you have been accused of economic abuse, a domestic violence defense attorney can help protect your rights and guide you through the court process. If the attorney has experience in family law, he can also guide you through the process of filing a protective order if your spouse is truly being economically abusive.

Why Clients Choose Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, PC

When it comes to family violence, whether you are a victim or have been accused of domestic violence or any of the forms of economic abuse, a domestic violence defense attorney can guide you through the process of gathering evidence, fighting against false allegations, and explain the impact of economic abuse.

Testimonials

“[Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, PC] are quick and responsive to your needs. They provide you with the tools you need and they take care of the rest. I highly recommend them.” — Annette B.

“Gave great guidance, was quick to respond to all my questions and made everything run smoothly as possible. Hopefully I’m never in a situation that I need legal service again but if I were they would be my first choice.” — Vince K.

“I would highly recommend this law firm to anyone in need of legal services. From calling to inquire and set up an appointment, to meeting with the staff to assist me — it was all a very smooth process. They are true professionals that understand their clients, and extremely knowledgeable. They make sure you receive the best service, and I am truly grateful for everyone at this law firm that assisted helping me get the best outcome.” — Anna R.

Facing Accusations? Take Action Before It is Too Late.

Whether you are going through a divorce, have paternity issues, child support issues, need help with a domestic violence case, including economic abuse, or have another family law matter, Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, PC can guide you through the process and provide legal advice. Contact an experienced family lawyer at Randall, McClenney, Daniels & Dunn, PC by calling 757-742-6115 or completing our online contact form.