Christmas 2023 a gift was purchased for me. Well, ‘A’, ‘B’ and I had a talk about a gift for me and there was an uneasiness the whole time in the ensuing talks. This is my story of how I really noticed a shift in financial outlooks from ‘A’.

Following are more scenarios of financial abuse.

• Controlling access to money: This includes withholding money, refusing to provide an allowance, or making it difficult for the victim to access their own funds.

• Sabotaging employment: This can include interfering with the victim's job search, sabotaging their work performance, or forcing them to quit their job.

• Coercing the victim into making financial decisions that benefit the abuser: This can include pressuring the victim to co-sign on loans, take out credit cards in their name, or invest in risky ventures.

• Using money as a weapon: Withholding money for basic needs like food, clothing, or housing as a form of punishment or control.

• Isolating the victim from their financial resources: This can include preventing the victim from working, controlling their access to bank accounts, or hiding financial information from them.

It's important to remember that financial abuse can take many forms and may not always be easy to recognize. If you suspect that someone you know may be experiencing financial abuse, it's important to offer support and encourage them to seek help from a trusted friend, family member, or a domestic violence hotline.

Keep in mind that the victim might come to you for support and it might look like the victim does not know how to take care of their finances. This can often be a silent cry for help, as was the case with, ‘A’ and a friend that ‘A’ went to for help.