Economic Abuse Post-Separation
“Post-separation abuse can be defined as the ongoing, willful pattern of intimidation of a former intimate partner that includes legal abuse, economic abuse, threats and endangerment to children, isolation and discrediting and harassment and stalking.”2
Economic Abuse Post-Separation
Economic abuse contributes to struggles in meeting fundamental needs, such as housing, food security, and maintaining employment. Perpetrators’ tactics generate a lack of choice or resources to fulfill basic needs. “94–99% of coercive control survivors report experiencing economic abuse.”1
Economic Abuse Tactics
- Withholding or Manipulating Child and Spousal Support
- Refusing to pay ordered child support or alimony.
- Making partial, late, or inconsistent payments to keep the survivor financially unstable.
- Quitting jobs or underreporting income to avoid legal obligations.
- Working “under the table” or hiding assets to reduce payment responsibilities.
- Employment Sabotage
- Harassing the survivor at her workplace (calls, visits, rumors) to cause job loss.
- Contacting her employer with false accusations or defamation.
- Interfering with work schedules or child care arrangements to jeopardize employment.
- Credit and Debt Manipulation
- Running up debt in the survivor’s name (identity theft, forged signatures).
- Refusing to pay joint debts, damaging the survivor’s credit score.
- Filing for bankruptcy to shift financial responsibility to the survivor.
- Taking out loans or credit cards using shared information post-separation.
- Asset Concealment and Manipulation
- Hiding, selling, or transferring shared assets before property settlements.
- Refusing to disclose financial information in divorce proceedings.
- Withholding access to important financial documents or accounts.
- Draining joint bank accounts or emptying retirement funds before separation is final.
- Housing Instability
- Refusing to leave the marital home but not contributing to expenses.
- Sabotaging rental agreements, utilities, or mortgage payments to force eviction.
- Refusing to sign property transfer or sale documents to delay the survivor’s housing plans.
- Damaging property or refusing to maintain jointly owned homes to lower their value.
- Interfering with Rebuilding Efforts
- Blocking access to shared benefits, insurance, or tax returns.
- Failing to provide required documentation for taxes or benefits, causing financial penalties.
- Refusing to co-sign or release financial ties that prevent the survivor from moving forward.
- Using Legal Systems to Create Financial Drain
- Filing frivolous lawsuits, motions, or appeals to force the survivor to pay legal fees.
- Demanding costly mediations or evaluations as a form of financial harassment.
- Refusing to negotiate in good faith, prolonging costly court battles.
- Weaponizing Children Financially
- Refusing to pay for children’s basic needs (clothes, school supplies, medical care).
- Using money or gifts to manipulate children’s loyalty against the survivor.
- Claiming false financial hardship to reduce support obligations.
- Sabotaging Recovery and Independence
- Refusing to return personal belongings, work tools, or business materials.
- Interfering with the survivor’s ability to start a new business or career.
- Publicly spreading lies about her finances or character to limit opportunities.
- Financial Surveillance and Control
- Tracking spending through joint accounts or shared apps.
- Monitoring public records or social media to assess her financial situation.
- Using technology to intimidate or shame the survivor about her income or lifestyle choices.
The Impact
Post-separation economic abuse is intended to:
- Trap survivors in financial dependency.
- Undermine their ability to rebuild stability.
- Keep them emotionally tied to the abuser through ongoing financial stress.
It often forces survivors to choose between safety and survival, which is why it’s recognized as a continued form of coercive control even after the relationship ends.