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Financial abuse

Protect yourself and your money

Page reading time: 3 minutes

Financial abuse is when someone takes away your access to money. Or manipulates your financial decisions or uses your money without consent. Here's how to get help and regain your independence.

Financial abuse is a type of family violence. It may happen alongside other types of violence, such as physical or emotional abuse. It can leave you feeling vulnerable, isolated, depressed and anxious.

Financial abuse can happen to anyone. The abuser could be your partner, or a family member, carer or friend.

Elder financial abuse is a serious problem. Older people can be more vulnerable to financial abuse. This is because they often depend on others for help with financial tasks and decisions.

If you or someone you know is experiencing financial abuse, get help by calling 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Or chat online on the 1800RESPECT website or text 0458 737 732. Free and confidential, open 24 hours.

Getting help and support for financial abuse

If you need legal help or advice, see free legal advice.

If you're in crisis or struggling to make ends meet, find out how to get urgent help with money.

Contact one of these organisations for free and confidential support.

Help for families affected by relationship or separation issues

Family Relationship Advice Line

1800 050 32

8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday

10am to 4pm, Saturday

Crisis support

Lifeline

13 11 14

24 hours

Crisis Support Chat

Family violence, abuse and sexual assault counselling

1800RESPECT

1800 737 732

24 hours

1800RESPECT Online Chat

Help if you're struggling with debt

National Debt Helpline

1800 007 007

9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday

Family counselling, mediation and dispute resolution services

Relationships Australia
1300 364 277

Elder abuse victim support

Compass

1800 ELDERHelp
1800 353 374

Note: this number redirects you to the phone line in your state or territory. Operating hours and services vary.

State and territory elder abuse victim resource centres

My Aged Care

1800 200 422

8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday

10am to 2pm, Saturday

Advocacy and advice for older people

Older Persons Advocacy Network

1800 700 600

8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday

Note: this number redirects you to the Older Persons Advocacy Network organisation in your state or territory.

Dementia information and support

Dementia Australia

1800 100 500

9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Helpline webchat

Help to get back on your feet

Good Shepherd Financial Independence Hub

1300 050 150

9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

Signs of a financially abusive person

A person can be financially abusive in different ways. Some signs of financial abuse are when a person:

Controls your access to money

Uses your money without your knowledge or consent

Signs legal documents

Threatens or punishes you

Preventing financial abuse

Help protect yourself from financial abuse by: