Financial Abuse
If someone controls your money, your paycheck, or your papers, that is abuse, and there are safe, small steps you can begin taking today.
Also available in اردو, हिन्दी, বাংলা, and ਪੰਜਾਬੀ.
Three things to know
If you only read one section, read this one.
Financial abuse happens in about 99 percent of abusive relationships. If this is happening to you, you are not alone.
You do not need your husband's permission, or a Social Security number, to open a bank account at many US banks.
Checking your own credit report at AnnualCreditReport.com is free, never lowers your score, and your partner is not notified.
What does the law say?
The rules, in everyday words.
Financial abuse is recognized as domestic violence
In many states, courts recognize controlling money, blocking you from working, or taking your pay as domestic abuse. It can support a protective order, which is a court order limiting what the abuser can do.
You have the right to your own bank account
No law requires a husband's or partner's permission to open an account. Many banks accept a passport or an ITIN, a tax ID number for people without a Social Security number.
Coerced debt has protections
Debt a partner forced or tricked you into is called coerced debt. Federal law lets you dispute wrong items on your credit report, and identity theft protections may apply. Rules vary by state.
Your documents belong to you
Your passport, green card, and work permit belong to you, not to a spouse or employer. Holding a person's documents to force work or obedience can be a federal crime.
What can I do next?
- 1Check your credit for free Visit AnnualCreditReport.com, the official free site, to see loans and credit cards in your name. Look for accounts you did not open. Use a safe device, like a library computer.
- 2Open an account in your name only Choose a different bank than your partner's. Bring a passport, consular ID, or ITIN if you have no Social Security number. Ask for paperless statements sent to a private email.
- 3Copy key documents safely Photograph your ID, marriage certificate, immigration papers, and bank statements. Save them to a private email or cloud account your partner cannot open, then delete the photos from any shared phone.
- 4Set aside small amounts Even five or ten dollars saved from groceries, kept with a trusted friend or in your new account, adds up over time. Any amount is a start, and it is yours.
- 5Talk to a trained advocate Call or text the National Domestic Violence Hotline. Advocates can help you make a safety plan, a private step by step plan for staying safe, in your language, free and confidential.
Who can help for free?
Real people, no cost, and interpreters are available when you ask.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
Free 24 hour support and safety planning, with interpreters in more than 200 languages.
WomensLaw.org
Plain language legal information for every state, plus a free and private email question service.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)
Government agency that helps with bank, credit, and debt problems, and takes complaints in many languages.
LawHelp.org
Helps you find free legal aid lawyers and self help resources in your state.