Leaving an abusive relationship does not always mean the abuse ends.
Post separation economic abuse happens when an abusive person continues to use money, debt, banking, children, housing, employment, education, court processes, or institutions to control or harm a survivor after separation.
This is a form of coercive control.
It can leave survivors feeling trapped, exhausted, afraid, and unable to fully move forward. It can also affect children, housing stability, credit, employment, education, and long term financial security.
Post Separation Economic Abuse Can Look Like
Post separation economic abuse can cause coerced debt, damaged credit, employment barriers, education disruption, housing insecurity, and financial hardship.
It can also affect children by creating instability, stress, and insecurity in their daily lives.
This abuse is not your fault.
You deserve safety, dignity, financial freedom, and support.
CCFWE is Canada’s leading organization advancing economic safety, financial inclusion, and justice for survivors of economic abuse, coerced debt, and financial exploitation. Through research, education, survivor informed tools, policy, law reform, and systems change, we work with partners to remove barriers and build safer pathways to economic security.
Watch our webinar on post-separation economic abuse to learn more about how financial harm and coercive control can continue after a relationship ends.
If you are a survivor, we have tools and resources to support you. Click here to learn more.
If you are a service provider, click here to access resources, training, and support.
