In Maryland, a common misunderstanding assumes that domestic violence is limited to physical or psychological abuse used to threaten, injure or intimidate a partner. The reality is that for many victims of domestic violence in Montgomery County and Prince George’s County, domestic violence does not always result in easily detected physical injuries. Domestic violence encompasses a multifaceted cluster of aggressive and passive aggressive behaviors. According to The Department of Justice Office on Violence Against Women, domestic violence can include any behavior meant to: “intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.”
Understanding Maryland Financial Abuse in Prince George’s County, Maryland Montgomery County, Maryland
The type of conduct used to accomplish any of the goals stated above can involve a broad range of conduct including physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological actions. In Maryland, financial abuse and manipulation is a very common form of domestic abuse. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence defines financial abuse as taking control of or limiting access to assets or limiting the current or future earning potential of the victim as a strategy of power and control. In a financially abusive relationship, the abuser separates the victim from their “resources, rights, and choices, isolating the victim financially and creating a forced dependency for the victim and other family members.”
Signs of Financial Abuse and Manipulation in Montgomery County, Maryland and Prince George’s County, Maryland
Unlike more obvious forms of physical abuse, domestic financial abuse is difficult to spot because the abuse often does not result in obvious signs of harm. Maryland domestic financial abuse and manipulation may be very subtle, but the psychological impact on a spouse can be just as severe as physical or emotional abuse. Maryland financial abuse often results in feelings of helplessness and may cause the victim to become withdrawn.
There are several signs that can point to financial abuse and manipulation in Maryland:
- Restricting financial decision making power such as how money is spent.
- Controlling access to money or severely limiting the amount of money a person may have.
- Takes and does not allow access to benefit payments or wages earned.
- Failing to contribute to household expenses.
- Placing bills or assets in the abused party’s name and so as to avoid responsibility.
- Restricts the abused party from working, obtaining education or any other means of being financially independent.
Speak with a Domestic Violence Attorney in Prince George’s County, Maryland and Montgomery County, Maryland
If you have other questions or concerns about Maryland financial abuse or manipulation, or questions about domestic violence in general, please contact The Law Office of LaSheena M. Williams, LLC today. You can reach domestic violence attorney LaSheena M. Williams online or by calling (301) 778-9950.
Maryland financial abuse and manipulation often occurs behind closed doors and it can be difficult to detect, but that does not minimize the seriousness of this type of domestic abuse.
