VPC warns about pervasiveness of financial abuse

Nearly 99% of those who experience domestic abuse will also experience some form of financial abuse. That’s according to Violence Prevention Center (VPC) Program Advocate Jessica Burks. She said that many survivors cite their abuser having financial control as one of the reasons they stayed in the relationship.

“Financial abuse often starts subtly and can escalate over time. So some victims may not realize that what they’re experiencing is abuse until their financial independence has been significantly impacted,” Burks said.”It’s also one of the most powerful methods of keeping a victim stuck and trapped in an abusive relationship, because it deeply diminishes a victim’s ability to leave their abuser.”

Burks explained that financial abuse can take many forms. She said that might include either preventing or limiting employment or continued education for career advancement. In some situations, an abuser might refuse to include a partner in financial decisions or allowing them to have independent access to household funds. In some cases, it could also mean an abuser taking on debt, sometimes in the victims name. Hiding assets or identity theft are also examples that Burks gave. Financial abuse can also take the form of intimidation of a victim that leads them to believe that if they were to leave an abusive partner, they would not be able to access resources like spousal or child support.

Burks said that she often reminds people that domestic abuse really comes down to exerting control over a partner, and that financial abuse is an effective way to control someone. She added that for many survivors of domestic violence, especially those who have been victims of financial abuse, overcoming the financial obstacles to leave a relationship are difficult, and establishing long-term financial security and safety to be complicated.

“It’s not just that initial hurdle of getting out of abuse, but also long term consequences that survivors face. Abuse rarely ends when a victim leaves a relationship,” Burks said. “Unfortunately, the reality is that post separation abuse is very real and very common, and the lasting impacts of financial abuse can follow a survivor for a long time after they leave their abuser.”

Violence Prevention Center Program Advocate Jessica Burks spoke to WTIP’s Julie Carlson on North Shore Morning about financial abuse, and the VPC’s recent 40th anniversary event. Audio of that interview is below.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, resources are available through the Violence Prevention Center by calling 218-387-1262. Advocates are available by phone or for in-person appointments.

Those outside Cook County can access help through the National Domestic Violence Hotline, available by phone at 800-977-SAFE(7233).

Kirsten Wisniewski March 15, 2026