Most people think of physical, emotional, and sexual abuse when they hear the words "domestic violence." What many people don't realize is that abusers also can be economically abusive.

Economic abuse can be any of a number of things such as:

• Controlling the finances
• Not allowing one's partner to work
• Jeopardizing current employment through harassment
• Jeopardizing future employment by physically abusing a partner the night before an interview or refusing to provide transportation to the interview
• Taking a partner's money without her permission
• Being forced to be the main income provider
• Denying access to, or knowledge of, finances
• Using a partner's finances or credit for personal gain

Economic abuse is a very real form of abuse and can have lifelong impacts on a person, even after the abusive relationship has ended. For example, if a person ruins his partner's credit, it can take years to fix, and it can greatly impact things such as loans for education, a car, or a home.

Bankruptcy, garnishment, ruined credit, and identity theft are some of the results of economic abuse. A lack of financial education, limited access to consumer protections, and no economic opportunities are deterrents for victims hoping to escape abusive relationships. Economic abuse is a threat to the safety and economic self-sufficiency of domestic violence victims. BSAFE® helps survivors to manage their financial difficulties in an all-inclusive method: asset-development. Assets give survivors the tools to regain healthy financial lifestyles.