Financial and material abuse

Here are some of the signs to look out for if you suspect you or someone you know is being financially abused. 

• Change in living conditions, which can include lack of heating, clothing or food
• Inability to pay bills/unexplained shortage of money
• Unexplained withdrawals from an account
• Unexplained loss/misplacement of financial documents
• The recent addition of authorised signers on a client’s or donor’s signature card
• Sudden or unexpected changes in a Will or other financial documents
• Unexpected changes/renovations to the adult’s home
• Transferring financial liabilities into an adult’s name
• Workmen visiting to complete unplanned and or seemingly unnecessary building/garden work
• Sudden new friends/acquaintances taking trips together, making joint financial commitments or planning to move in

Other warning signs linked to domestic abuse

• Refusing to contribute to household or other costs, including child maintenance payments
• Transferring financial liabilities into a victim’s name
• Not contributing to joint bills
• Getting the victim to take out credit
• The abuser using all joint resources
• The abuser controlling access to the victim’s income, banking or savings
• The abuser controlling or interfering with the adult’s benefits