The Horror Of Financial Abuse From A Narcissist | The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast

Intro

In this episode of “The Narcissistic Abuse & Trauma Recovery Podcast,” Caroline Strossen, a trauma therapist and coach, discusses the horror of financial abuse from a narcissist. She sheds light on the different forms financial abuse can take and its impact on victims. Strossen also provides valuable insights on recognizing and addressing financial abuse in relationships.

Main Takeaways

Understanding Financial Abuse

• Financial abuse is a form of domestic abuse that occurs in narcissistic relationships, involving control over finances, assets, and spending.
• It can leave victims feeling isolated, lacking confidence, and trapped.
• Financial abuse can take various forms, such as taking out loans or credit cards in the victim’s name, misusing money, or pressuring them to change their will.
• Coercive control, including financial abuse, is against the law in the UK, but proving it can be challenging.

The Impact of Financial Abuse

• Financial abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age or relationship type.
• Although it tends to happen more towards women, men can also be victims of financial abuse.
• It can lead to isolation within the relationship and put victims in debt.
• Recognizing subtle signs of financial abuse, such as controlling access to bank accounts or pressuring for receipts, is crucial.

Recognizing and Addressing Financial Abuse

• Uncomfortable conversations about money and setting boundaries are essential in healthy relationships.
• Financial abuse can be disguised as altruistic help, making it difficult to recognize and explain to others.
• Having financial autonomy and independence, even for stay-at-home parents, is crucial.
• Seeking support from domestic abuse centers and not going through it alone is important.

Summary

Understanding Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is a form of domestic abuse that occurs within narcissistic relationships. It involves the control of someone’s finances, assets, and spending. This form of abuse can leave victims feeling isolated, lacking confidence, and trapped. It takes various forms, such as taking out loans or credit cards in the victim’s name or pressuring them to change their will. Although coercive control, including financial abuse, is against the law in the UK, proving it can be challenging.

The Impact of Financial Abuse

Financial abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age or relationship type. While it tends to happen more towards women, men can also be victims. This form of abuse can lead to isolation within the relationship and put victims in debt. It is crucial to recognize subtle signs of financial abuse, such as controlling access to bank accounts or pressuring for receipts, to address the issue effectively.

Recognizing and Addressing Financial Abuse

In healthy relationships, having uncomfortable conversations about money and setting boundaries is essential. Financial abuse can be disguised as altruistic help, making it challenging to recognize and explain to others. It is crucial for stay-at-home parents to have financial autonomy and independence. Seeking support from domestic abuse centers and not going through it alone is important for victims of financial abuse.

Conclusion

Financial abuse is a distressing form of domestic abuse that can have significant impacts on victims. Understanding the different forms it can take and recognizing the signs are crucial steps towards addressing this issue. By promoting awareness and providing support, we can empower survivors of financial abuse to reclaim their financial independence and thrive.