With stricter domestic violence laws being introduced, a common
question being asked is whether financial abuse is a crime.
While this has previously been seen in the context of family law
proceedings, the introduction of coercive control as a criminal
offence has expanded the consequences of financial abuse. This is
because control of finances is specifically set out in legislation
as a facet of coercive control.
A further consequence of this is that financial abuse can be
used as a ground to apply for an apprehended violence order
(AVO).
What is financial abuse?
Financial abuse involves coercive behaviours that limit a
person's financial independence through intimidation or
control. It is also known as economic abuse and involves seizing
assets, restricting employment opportunities, coercing legal
agreements, manipulating access to joint finances, abusive banking
transactions, where small transfers are used to harass or threaten
and exploitation of older
