A 2017 RMIT study revealed 15.7 per of Australian women will experience financial abuse in their lifetime and a new trial in Tasmania is hoping to put support women experiencing it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Women's Legal Service is the first in the state to trial the financial counselling program to address financial abuse, which involves access to money and finances being restricted or taken away.
WLST chief executive officer Yvette Cehtel said it helped deliver a more holistic service which did not segregate legal, social and financial services.
"Financial abuse and the use of money to further control and coerce has received increased attention in the community as awareness grows of this type of abuse.
"Often clients will not initially realise they are experiencing family violence in the form of financial abuse. However, when we talk with women about the sorts of behaviours in their relationship, financial abuse is commonly a feature."
IN OTHER NEWS:
The year-long trial is funded by the Federal government, after similar trials were undertaken in Victoria.
WLST has partnered with Anglicare to help deliver the service.
If you would like to know more about support services available for family and domestic violence, contact the 1800 Respect national helpline on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline (24 hour crisis line) on 131 114.
