Control through finances

No one has the right to use your money or control how you use your money. Financial abuse is used to control a person through their finances. For instance, by deciding what you may or may not purchase, denying you access to your money or cheating you out of your money.

A person being financially abused can become isolated and lose their independence. Since they become dependent upon the person who is abusing them, it can be very difficult to terminate the relationship.

It is financial abuse if a person:

  • Gives you pocket money and monitors what you purchase.
  • Transfers your money into their bank account and refuses you access to it.
  • Prevents you from seeing information regarding shared bank accounts.
  • Forbids you to work or restricts the amount of work you do.
  • Uses your shared finances in excess without your permission.
  • Uses money to control you because you have little or no access to money.
  • Makes you responsible for shared debts.
  • Uses your cards without your permission.
  • Takes loans in your name without your permission.

Get help

It is always best to talk to someone about how you are feeling and what you are experiencing. If you want assistance, contact these abuse support centres: Bjarkarhlíð in Reykjavík or Bjarmahlíð in Akureyri. It doesn‘t matter how long it has been since the abuse occurred.

Everyone, both adults or children, can talk to someone at 1717 (Red Cross helpline).

Do you recognize abuse?

See more stories

Ólafur

Ólafur is a modest man in his eighties who lives in his own home. One of his grandchildren, Hrafnhildur, often helps him with things that are difficult for him, such as going to the store and paying bills. Ólafur gave Hrafnhildur access to his online bank for this purpose.

A few months later when Ólafur was going to buy himself a new sofa it turned out that Hrafnhildur had regularly transferred money from his account to hers.

Is this abuse?

More resources

Bjarkarhlíð

Bjarkarhlíð is a center for people who have experienced abuse. There you get all the support and counseling you need in one place. All assistance is on your terms.

Bjarmahlíð in Akureyri

Bjarmahlíð is a center for people who have experienced abuse. There you get all the support and counseling you need in one place. All assistance is on your terms.

Women's Shelter

The Women‘s Shelter offers counseling and a safe place to stay for any woman who has experienced abuse in a close relationship.

Digital abuse

Digital abuse is when someone uses technology or technological devices to monitor, harass, threaten, or humiliate you.