Trapped Without Cash: The Silent Side of GBV

Economic abuse and dependence is one of the key factors that keeps many victims trapped in abusive relationships more especially women. Economic abuse occurs in the background, depriving victims of their autonomy and tying them to their abusers via financial reliance, while physical and emotional abuse frequently dominate discussions about gender-based violence.

Economic dependence in the context of GBV means a situation where a victim, often women relies financially on their abusive partner. This can happen in different ways; Abusers frequently control their partner’s finances, making all spending decisions. When victims ask for money to pay for essentials like food, toiletries, or tuition, they could be humiliated or turned away. Second, abusers might keep their spouses from working by preventing them from looking for work or by forcing them to leave their current position. In addition to isolating victims, this damages their abilities and self-esteem, making their chances of finding employment in the future dim.

Denying access to financial resources is another strategy. This may entail denying victims access to credit cards, shutting them out of bank accounts, or keeping them out of financial decision-making processes. In severe situations, abusers take out loans in their partner’s name, destroying their financial freedom and further binding the victim to the relationship. In this scenario, children are also used as weapons; abusers may exploit family obligations to coerce victims into staying or threaten to stop providing financial support for children.

According to Botswana’s GBV indicator study over 60% of women have experienced GBV. Many of them remain in abusive relationships because they do not have the financial means to support themselves or their children.

What are the forms of economic abuse?

Control over the partners’ money

The abuser dictates how money is spent and denies the victim access to financial resourcesfor basic necessities like food or hygiene. Furthermore, the victims may have to beg for money, which strips away the victim’s autonomy.

Prevent partners from working 

Abusers may forbid victims from getting a job or force them to quit. This creates long-term financial dependency and limits future job prospects.

Denying them access to financial resources 

Includes restricting access to bank accounts, credit cards, or financial decision-making.Moreover, preventing victims from saving money or making independent financial choices.

Destroying their financial independence

Perpetrators of GBV may for instance take loans on the names of their partners.

Forcing Financial Dependence through Children

In other instances, perpetrators may use child support or family responsibilities as a way to manipulate victims into staying. In some cases, it also involves threatening to withhold financial support for children if the victim leaves.

The Impact of Economic Abuse

Economic abuse has far-reaching consequences beyond financial hardship. Some of these include:

• Inability to Leave the Abuser: Due to the lack financial means, victims cannot afford rent, legal fees, or even transportation to leave.

• Increased Risk of Further Abuse: Studies show that women who are financially dependent on their abusers are more likely to experience prolonged violence.

• Psychological Trauma: The stress of financial control leads to anxiety, depression, and a loss of self-worth.

• Intergenerational Impact: Children witnessing economic abuse are more likely to either become abusers or accept abusive relationships in adulthood.

How can we break this cycles?

Student led movement such as YWLC advocate for the empowerment of women economically through job training programs and financial literacy education in order to equip victims with skills to become self-sufficient. In addition, women need to have more access to microloans or women-focused entrepreneurship programs which can provide financial independence.

There is need to strengthen the support system and safe shelters. NGOs such as Women Against Rape in Botswana provide shelters and economic support. Furthermore, governmentmust invest in safe houses, legal aid, and employment support for survivors.

Moreover, education on financial equality in relationships should be emphasized in schools and workplaces. This is done to raise awareness and highlight economic abuse as a serious form of GBV, not just a private issue.

Call for action

Too many people are bound to violent cycles by the unspoken bond of economic abuse. We can enable survivors to regain their freedom and create safer futures by identifying its symptoms and treating its causes. Let’s increase the dialogue, provide a hand to local organisations, and push for laws that put everyone’s financial security first. One step, one voice, one opportunity at a time, we can all work together to end the cycle of GBV.

About The Author

Salphinah Rantsudu is an environmental science student who is passionate about leadership. Through her update in taking leadership roles in the careers and counselling mentorship program, she is a strong advocate for change. She uses her public speaking skills to serve others as well as to help advocate for women empowerment as a member of the Young Women’s Leadership Club.