What is meant by the term "financial abuse"?

I've heard social workers use this term many times. It seemed so strange I thought it would never touch my life so I never bothered to find out what it was. Now I've been very ill and in and out of Doc's offices/hospitals for 11 months now. I've brought no money into the home. My husband works 100+ hrs per week, always did even when I had a job. His 20 something son works full-time and the 18 yr old part-time. We all live in a small apt. When rent/utilities are due totally $850 monthly (or $280 each they all struggle to pay). It's thrown in my face that I'm not "contributing". I'm given about $3-5 per day to eat, get gas to take sons to work, etc. I'm never allowed to see any paycheck stubs or bank accounts. If this isn't financial abuse I don't know what is OR is it? Does anyone know for sure?

Thank YOU Neinmom2o.. for posting an actual ANSEWR to my question! Also what is with some of these men on here saying "Look if he's paying for rent and food how is that abuse?" I think prison inmates, women being physically beaten and POWS also get free rent and food. Are they also not abused? Duh! And to the no one's a victim guy...no I'm not a "victim" of anything/anyone but I do want to clearly see situations where a person is trying to victimize me! Is that OK with you?

Financial Abuse (Economic Abuse) occurs when the abuser does not allow any access to financial resources. They may also have the victim account for every penny that he or she spends. In addition, they deny the victim the opportunity to work outside of the home. Sadly, economic abuse is not limited to domestic cases. Members in the geriatric population can also be economically abused by family, friends, and entrepreneurs. Financial abuse is abuse. It is concerning that you are not allowed to see your paycheck stubs, and bank account records. What is alarming, is the fact that it is thrown in your face because you are not contributing. You are contributing as much as you can at the present time. If your husband was ill, wouldn't you contribute more during his time of need? Marriage vows are to honor, "In Sickness and in Health." You are a real person with genuine feelings, and you deserve to be treated equal.

I don't understand what you are asking. They are paying the rent and the food while you are not. How can you claim abuse?

wow..........it sounds like your truly sick, I dont think financial abuse is whats going on here I thin some one is not taking the time to sit back an look at your situation. If your sick and well first id lose the twenty somthing kid and get somthing more affordable try to get public assistance. If your husband loves you why does he give you 5$ thats more like emotional abuse to me. Good Luck an I hope you get to feeling better.

Good grief...why is it everyone is looking to be a victim of something? Has society gotten to the point that we have to blame somebody else for our condition?

Now in no way do I minimize your personal situation as far as health goes. But any situations in your marriage as far as money, expenses, ect is a situation you need to address with your husband.

Here is a link, stating what financial abuse is and some warning signs...

http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/About/News/2...
(read about half way down the page)

First off , I am sorry that you have taken sick and now are being abused. I always thought that financial abuse was mainly around the elderly. Like a elderly person being financially exploited. Perhaps by their child or family. I have heard of cases of an elderly infirm persons bank accounts being drained by a family member or caretaker.
In your case I think your being emotionally abused. Though I think you have right to see any bank statements that concern you and your husband. Have you worked in the past ??? Can you check to see if you might be eligible for state disability or possibly some state aid? There is no shame in getting a little help... your tax contributions in the past have paid in to the fund. Good Luck and I hope you regain your health soon.

What you have described above is not financial abuse but rather a spousal being secretive for whatever reason. Financial abuse is basically where one spouse runs up bills unnecessarily forcing the household not to be able to meet its financial committments. Forcing you to live on 3-5 dollars a day would be considered emotional abuse. Hope this helps and good luck

That is what is called financial abuse. It is very sad to say the least. They should not be treating you that way at all. That is telling that none of them there has any respect for you at all. Oh and so sorry you have been sick. Wouldn't surprise me in the least if all of them wasn't a part of the reason that you have been sick, Treated like that would make anybody sick.