Information on Loughborough

Campaign highlights financial abuse

Posted on 23/11/2009

Leicestershire Councty Council Chief Executive's

5 November 2009

Campaign highlights financial abuse

Financial abuse will be the focus of Domestic Abuse Awareness Week which runs from November 23.

Abusive relationships are generally understood to be those where there is physical or sexual abuse or emotional and verbal abuse.

However, in many abusive relationships, restricting or preventing the victim from accessing finances is another means to exert control.

Leicestershire County Council is working in partnership with other local authorities, voluntary agencies and public services to raise awareness of financial abuse during the week.

Examples of financial abuse include:

• Stealing from, defrauding or exploiting someone for financial gain

• Withholding money to buy food or medical treatment

• Denying access to money, cheques or credit cards

• Withholding information about income and debts

• Monitoring and approving all expenditure

• Preventing someone from working or forcing the victim to work to support the abuser

As part of the campaign, displays containing information about financial abuse will be put up in libraries and childrens’ centres across the county.

A number of fund-raising events will also be held, including a charity cinema screening of the film ‘Grease’ at the Reel Cinema in Loughborough at 8pm on Tuesday, November 24, which has been organised by Loughborough  Womens Aid. Tickets cost £5.50 - £4.50 for concessions - and can be booked by calling 01509 550317 or emailing: Judith@lwa.org.uk

There will also be a collection of Christmas gifts for Refuge residents. As well as donations from district and county council employees, local companies have been asked to donate gifts.

The campaign will also see staff at the Citizens Advice and the Debt Advice Services receive extra training about domestic abuse.

Byron Rhodes, Lead Councillor for Community Safety at Leicestershire County Council said “Financial abuse is present in many cases of domestic violence, so it is extremely positive to see agencies addressing this in partnership.

“The benefit of this campaign is that it provides options and support for victims experiencing financial abuse.”

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and would like to support or advice please contact the domestic violence helpline on 0116 255 0004.

For more information about domestic abuse visit: www.leics.gov.uk/domestic_violence_info