Financial abuse

What is financial abuse

Financial abuse is a form of domestic and family violence, where access to money and other economic resources is controlled, exploited or sabotaged by a perpetrator. It can occur over a long period of time and may continue even after a victim-survivor has escaped.

Financial abuse can be perpetrated by current or previous intimate partners, immediate or extended family members, carers, or friends.

Financial abuse can take various forms and can look different in different relationships. A perpetrator may manipulate legal and other government systems to coerce, threaten and harass a victim-survivor.

The intentional use of the fines system as a tool of coercion adversely impacts a victim-survivor and can exacerbate their vulnerability and financially disadvantage. 

Victim-survivors may:

• have fines in their name that they are not responsible for, but do not feel safe nominating the perpetrator as the person responsible for the offence 
• have been coerced by the perpetrator to pay for a fine or take responsibility for an offence they didn’t commit
• have been falsely nominated for a fine by the perpetrator and do not feel safe disputing the fine. 

How to get help

Revenue NSW acknowledges that financial abuse is a sensitive topic, and that it may be difficult to speak about.

You can tell us about your situation, and we’ll work with you to discuss available options to support you.

We will:

• understand that your story is unique and work with you, or your advocate, to find the best way to resolve your debt with us
• provide you with support from trauma informed staff 
• reduce the need for you to retell your story to multiple staff
• only ask for information that helps us understand your situation and how it relates to your debt with Revenue NSW. We won’t ask you to share details of the abuse you’ve experienced.
• be flexible in the types of information we require to support you
• prioritise the protection, privacy and confidentiality of your personal information only disclosing it as required or permitted by law. For more information on how we collect, hold and use your information, please refer to the Revenue NSW Privacy Policy. 
• contact you using your preferred method, at a time that is safest for you.  
   

If you believe you have debt with us because of financial abuse call us on 1300 138 118 or seek the support of an advocate who can speak to us on your behalf.

If you need help or support

Financial abuse or domestic and family violence can be difficult topics to discuss, and your safety and wellbeing is important.  If you or someone you know needs help or support at any time, contact one of the below services:

• In an emergency, or if you’re not feeling safe, call 000
• 1800RESPECT 1800 737 732 for domestic, family and sexual violence matters
• 13YARN 13 92 76 a confidential and culturally safe space for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping
• Lifeline 13 11 14 for crisis support and suicide prevention
• Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 for support with anxiety, depression and suicide prevention
• MensLine Australia 1300 789 978 for counselling and support for men with family and relationship concerns
• If you need legal support or information, refer to our free financial and legal advice page for services.