Economic Abuse in Close Relationships

Economic abuse is a form of control, exploitation, and misuse of power in which money, finances, or property are used to dominate, exploit, or harm another person. It is often accompanied by other forms of abuse, such as emotional and digital abuse. Economic abuse most commonly occurs in intimate relationships, but it can also happen in other close relationships, for example when an adult child abuses an elderly parent.

In many cases, the perpetrator seeks to gain financial benefit at the expense of someone close to them through deception, secrecy, manipulation, or threats. Economic abuse may also be used as a means of control. For example, the perpetrator may take control of the victim’s finances or deliberately undermine their financial independence.

The consequences of economic abuse can be far-reaching and affect many aspects of everyday life. For example, debt-related credit problems may make it more difficult to find housing, obtain employment, or access loans and other financial services. Long-term financial hardship and poverty can also have significant negative effects on a person’s wellbeing, health, and ability to function in daily life.

Common Forms of Economic Abuse

• Controlling another person’s finances, such as managing, monitoring, or restricting their income, spending, or bank accounts without their consent.
• Misusing shared finances, for example by using jointly owned funds for personal purposes without agreement or concealing financial decisions that affect both parties.
• Accumulating hidden assets or savings at another person’s expense or in ways that harm the household’s financial situation.
• Unreasonably refusing to contribute to shared financial responsibilities.
• Pressuring someone into taking on debt, such as forcing a partner to apply for high-interest loans or misusing another person’s personal or banking details.
• Preventing or interfering with employment or education in order to limit another person’s financial independence.
• Economic abuse after separation, such as refusing to pay child maintenance or deliberately delaying the division of jointly owned property.

Sharing Financial Responsibilities in a Relationship

In some relationships, both parties may agree that one person will take primary responsibility for managing finances. In such situations, it is essential that the relationship is otherwise equal and that the arrangement has been made freely, without pressure or coercion.

It is also important that the person managing the finances is open and transparent about financial matters whenever the other person wishes to discuss them. A key principle is that if one partner feels the arrangement is no longer working, it should be open to change. If the other partner refuses to consider changes, the arrangement can no longer be considered fully consensual.

In intimate relationships, income and expenses do not necessarily need to be divided equally. What matters most is ensuring that financial arrangements do not disadvantage or harm either party.

Economic Abuse May Constitute a Criminal Offence

Although Finnish criminal law does not contain a separate offence titled economic abuse, certain behaviours associated with economic abuse may meet the legal definition of a crime, such as:

• Fraud, for example deceiving another person for financial gain.
• Forgery.
• Embezzlement, such as taking another person’s property or funds without permission
• Unlawful threats, including threats of financial harm.

After a relationship ends, economic abuse may take the form of failing to pay child maintenance, damaging a former partner’s property, or using financial matters to continue exerting control. Possible legal remedies may include a restraining order and claims for compensation for damages.

Where Can You Get Help?

If you think you may have experienced economic abuse:

• Keep any evidence you have, such as screenshots, receipts, bank records, emails, and messages.
• Report the matter to the police, if needed.
• Seek support and advice from appropriate services.
  • Victim Support Finland 116 006, RIKUchat (in Finnish) and phone-based legal advice 0800 161 177
  • Finance and debt counselling
  • The Guarantee Foundation (Takuusäätiö)
  • Municipal social services
  • A legal aid office or a private lawyer

Talking openly about economic abuse and seeking help as early as possible can make a significant difference. Everyone has the right to financial independence, dignity, and security.

Read more about domestic violence

• Domestic violence can affect everyone
• Dynamics of an Abusive Relationship
  • Warning Signs of an Abusive Relationship
• Experiencing Violence and Abuse in a Close Relationship
  • Traumatic Crisis of Domestic Abuse
  • Children and Adolescents as Victims of Domestic Violence
• Forms of Violence and Abuse in Close Relationships
  • Emotional Abuse in Close Relationships
  • Physical Violence in an Intimate Relationship
  • Sexual Violence in Close Relationships
  • Digital Abuse in Close Relationships
  • Coercive Control in Close Relationships
  • Honour Based Abuse in Close Relationships
  • Spiritual or Religious Abuse in an Intimate Relationship
  • Post-Separation Abuse and Stalking in Close Relationships
• Leaving an Abusive Relationship
  • Considering Safety in Situations Involving Domestic Violence and Abuse
  • Advice for Those Supporting a Victim of Domestic Abuse
• Recovering from Abuse and Violence