Going through a divorce can be incredibly difficult, but it can be made even tougher if you’re wanting to divorce an abusive partner. Perhaps you’re a victim of economic abuse and are trying to find the best way to separate without causing too much conflict.
In this article, we’ll be explaining what economic abuse is, the signs to look out for, and how you can file for a divorce from an abusive partner.
What is economic abuse?
The term ‘economic abuse’ refers to the abuser using finances and other resources to exert control over their victim. The intention is to control freedom and create financial insecurity, forcing victims to become financially dependent on their partner.
Studies show that 1 in 6 women in the UK have experienced economic abuse by a current or former partner. Similarly, 1 in 7 men are said to have suffered a level of financial abuse from a partner.
This type of abuse can often be difficult to notice and is usually performed in conjunction with other forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, and emotional.
The signs of economic abuse
While economic abuse can take many forms, it usually involves the controlling or restricting of a victim’s ability to manage their finances. The abuser will likely manage their partner’s finances and therefore, restrict their access to credit facilities, goods, services, food and clothing.
It’s common for the abuser to exploit their partner’s financial situation, such as building up debt through loans and credit cards in the victim’s name and clearing out joint bank accounts.
There are other signs to watch out for, too. These include:
- Sabotaging your income by forcing you to reduce your work hours
- Excluding you from important financial decisions
- Refusing to contribute to household bills and expenses
- Deliberately making you ask for money
- Controlling/denying your access to money
How to file for a divorce from an abusive partner
If you’re currently in an abusive marriage and are considering filing for divorce, you don’t have to go through it alone.
Whether you want to seek advice or simply speak to someone, there are many domestic abuse charities with free 24-hour helplines, which have friendly and highly-trained advisors ready to chat to. Or, you can get the right support from expert domestic abuse solicitors who will handle your situation with empathy and care.
If you are in immediate danger, call 999 or the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Divorcing an abusive partner is likely to be extremely challenging, especially where economic abuse is involved. That’s because they may have withheld financial details from you for many years and may continue to conceal and control your assets in the divorce proceedings.
Getting help from a team of family lawyers is critical as they can use various legal tools to help you with your situation. These include orders that require your partner to leave the family home, interim maintenance orders, and freezing orders to prevent the disposal or sale of any assets.
Making that first call for help can be daunting, but it can help you start the rest of your life.
