What to do if you’re experiencing domestic and family violence including financial abuse
Domestic and family violence is any behaviour that makes you or your family feel scared or unsafe. It’s violent, threatening, controlling or coercive behaviour.
It can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, sexuality or financial situation and in any type of relationship, including:
While women often make up the majority of those experiencing domestic and family violence, elder abuse is an increasing issue. Elderly people can be vulnerable as they often depend on others for help with their finances.
Here are some of the types of family and domestic violence1:
Controlling behaviour - If someone prevents you from seeing or contacting people, leaving the house or doing activities that are important to you. It could also be forcing you to get a loan you don’t want, controlling what you wear, eat or even your medical care. This is also known as coercive control.
Psychological, emotional or mental abuse - This is behaviour that can cause emotional and psychological harm. It can be just as harmful as physical violence. It could be public humiliation, name calling, threats, put downs or gaslighting.
Sexual abuse - This can be any kind of sexual activity that you were forced, coerced or tricked into doing when you didn’t want to.
Physical violence - This is direct assault to you, your children, family, friends, pets or property. It could involve slapping, punching, kicking, shaking or pushing. It could include the use of weapons or objects, and intimidation, such as punching walls and standing over you.
Technology facilitated abuse - This could be if someone is monitoring what you do online or on your phone. They could be monitoring where you are through spyware. It could also be someone using electronic communication to bully, harass, stalk or intimidate you.
Spiritual violence - If someone is forcing you to practise religion or not allowing you to be part of a religion or cultural group.
Financial abuse - This could be if someone is monitoring what you spend money on, or restricting your access to money, your bank account, wages or pensions. It could also be not allowing you to get a job or forcing you to get a loan you don’t want. (See Financial abuse tab for more)
Financial abuse is a form of domestic or family violence, when someone takes away your access to money, manipulates your financial decisions or uses your money without consent. It often occurs with other forms of violence.
A person can be financially abusive in different ways. Some signs of financial abuse are when a person2:
Controls your access to money
Uses your money without your knowledge or consent
Forges your signature, forces or pressures you
Threatens or punishes you
At Australian Mutual Bank we understand that unexpected things happen in life that can put a strain on your ability to meet your financial commitments.
This may be due to illness, accident, unemployment, relationship breakdowns, domestic violence or financial abuse, gambling or other reasonable cause.
If you find yourself in this position, either now or in the future and are unable to meet your loan or credit card payment obligations, you should contact us on 13 61 91 (from Monday to Friday between 8am - 7pm, and Saturday 8.30am - 11.30am, Sydney NSW local time) and ask to speak with one of our Hardship Assistance trained staff. They will be able to discuss what options may be available to you and arrange for the necessary forms to be sent to you. In the meantime, you should continue to pay as much as you can reasonably afford off your credit facilities.
Financial Wellness
Financial wellness is an important aspect of our general sense of well-being. It is achieved when we are able to cover our expenses with no worry, can absorb financial shock without much stress, and are on track to meet our financial goals. The only way to achieve financial health is through financial literacy.
Check out our Financial Wellness page for tips and guidance on how you can improve your financial situation.
We understand that asking for help can be difficult, but our friendly staff are available to help support you.
We’ll do our best to keep your communications with us confidential and approach our conversation with sensitivity, respect, and compassion.
Here’s how you can get in contact with us:
We have some internal translators should you require them, that speak the following languages: Arabic, Greek, Cypriot, Italian and Serbian. Otherwise, you can visit Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) which is an interpreting service provided by the Department of Home Affairs for people with limited English proficiency.
Speaking directly may be the safest ways to reach us, as if you share an account or access details with another person, they may be able to see any written correspondence with us.
However, if you feel written communication is your safest option, you can:
We will be available to respond from Monday to Friday between 8am - 7pm, and Saturday 8.30am - 11.30am, Sydney NSW local time.
You can also fill out our call back form to schedule a phone call with us, where you can discreetly discuss your situation.
There are many specialist services that can help you if you are experiencing domestic and family violence and/or financial abuse. These avenues of support are confidential and available 24/7 to help, listen and believe.
