Domestic violence affects residents of New York state from all walks of life.
There is some reason to believe that the issue may not come to light among wealthier and upper middle-class couples as often because of certain social norms within those economic groups.
There is also reason to believe that financial abuse may have a role in keeping other types of spousal abuse in the shadows and out of the eyes of the public, especially among those of means.
In a case of financial abuse, the perpetrator controls the victim’s property and income to such an extent that the victim must rely on the perpetrator’s financial support. Without the perpetrator’s money, the victim may have a hard time making ends meet.
As a result, the victim is beholden to the perpetrator and may be scared to leave even after repeatedly suffering physical or other abuse at the perpetrator’s hands.
Financial abuse can take many forms. It can include keeping the victim out of the loop on the finances, making it hard for them to access money on their own or disapproving of or interfering with their ability to get a job.
It is possible that an abuser may exert more obvious control over the family’s or even the victim’s private finances. In extreme cases, the behavior will involve criminal activity.
An abuse victim can get financial protection if they need to leave
Victims of abuse in Westchester County do not have to tolerate it because they are afraid they will lose their livelihoods if they take action.
There are legal means for a person to get short-term protection from domestic violence while they navigate through their divorces. The divorce process itself will also allow them to maintain some financial security.
However, to take advantage of this opportunity, victims will need to understand their legal options and will need to know how to advocate for their interests.