When there is financial inequality between separated parents, there may also be a financial power imbalance that can result in financial abuse. We tend to think of domestic abuse as physical violence or assault. In reality, domestic abuse includes physical, sexual, financial and/or psychological abusive.  Often, where there is one form of abuse, there are other forms as well. See Family Violence.

• Financial abuse involves forcing the victim to be financially dependent on the abuser because their access to money and financial information has been cut off.
• Financial abuse can be used to isolate the victim, punish them or stop them from leaving. It is hard to leave a violent relationship when you are financially dependent on the abuser.

• Financial abuse between parents may include a range of controlling actions:
• Preventing a parent from getting or keeping a job;
• Denying access to financial information or resources, like bank accounts, credit cards, or the cheque book;
• Demanding that the other parent turn over their pay cheque or any other money they receive;
• Forcing the other parent to account for every penny spent;
• Withholding child support;
• Manipulating or exploiting someone for financial gain; and/or
• Hiding and failing to disclose honestly all financial assets.
• Drawing out legal proceedings in order to drain other’s financial resources