Relationship problems and money: Women talk about financial abuse

‘Thirteen years in court. I have lost my kids’ childhood because all I am doing is sitting at the computer writing legal documents.’

Susan, 53, four children, Melbourne.

Over 200 women from a wide range of ages, social and income backgrounds in metro and regional Victoria shared their stories of financial abuse in the context of family violence. WIRE Women’s Information’s research report reveals that many ex-partners deliberately use the legal, child support and income support systems to cause long term financial hardship and psychological distress to women and their children, long after the relationship ends.