Recognize
the signs
There is no ‘typical’ victim-survivor of domestic violence, and many myths and stereotypes about who experiences it. In reality, anyone can experience domestic violence, though women and young adults are statistically at higher risk. Victim survivors are often stereotyped, in society and by the media, as coming from lower-income or 'dysfunctional' families. Society also tends to assume financially independent professional women who are smart and capable are less likely to experience domestic violence. These harmful stereotypes can silence those, like Anna, who may suffer in silence due to shame or fear of judgment and reputational damage in their personal lives or at work.
Anna is experiencing economic abuse, designed to create economic instability and/or make her economically dependent. Economic abuse often includes controlling finances, stealing money, or coercing someone into debt. It can also include the control of other resources such as housing, food, and transport, as well as control over employment and career progression. Economic abuse rarely happens in isolation and often occurs alongside other forms of domestic violence. How can we determine if Anna’s relationship may be abusive rather than simply a challenging relationship? The key differentiators are power and fear. There is a power imbalance, and Anna feels scared, worrying about the consequences of not complying, Leo’s potential actions, and the impact of ending the relationship. Leo has taken control of Anna's finances, restricting her access to her own money and deciding how it is spent. For example, he limits her ability to attend a colleague's leaving party by controlling her spending. He gives her a weekly allowance and requires Anna to provide receipts and justify her spending if she exceeds it. Leo also exhibits controlling behavior by threatening to take away her bank card and though his offer to pick her up from work may appear kind, it is a further attempt to prevent her from attending the party.
Domestic violence is harmful, and Anna may experience poor mental health, including anxiety and depression, as well as physical health problems. Anna probably tries not to let her family experiences affect her work. However, she may still find it hard to concentrate at work, making mistakes more often and sometimes having to redo tasks. Anna may be tired or exhausted at work, especially if she can't afford to eat enough or has to walk long distances because she can't afford transportation.
Anna may try to hide her feelings, but she may, for example, be struggling with low self-esteem and self-confidence; she may also look tired, anxious, or seem quieter and distracted. There may be other noticeable changes in Anna’s behaviour. Anna may stop eating lunch at work or participating in social events she previously enjoyed with colleagues. There may be a decline in the personal care and clothing Anna can afford due to financial constraints. She may express anxiety about simple financial decisions such as whether she is able to take public transport home from work.