Research and Evidence

We conduct trauma-informed research on Economic Abuse, driving evidence-based systems and policy change for women's economic safety and security.

Economic Abuse in Canada Evidence-Based Solutions for System Change

We use trauma-informed research to provide evidence, spark discussions, and shape policies for women’s economic empowerment and safety. We believe policies must include the perspectives of those affected and use intersectional analysis, considering factors like race, gender, sexuality, and income.

Our Research Mission to Tackle Economic Abuse

  • Develop trauma-informed research findings that shed light on the hurdles and potential for service providers, policymakers, and women affected by violence.
  • Improve the dissemination of knowledge among women's service organizations shelters, policymakers, and financial institutions, enabling them to address survivors' economic security requirements more effectively.
  • Raise awareness about economic abuse among survivors, advocacy organizations, financial institutions, and the general public, empowering individuals to recognize and thwart this type of abuse.
  • Drive systemic change through evidence-based research tools, advocacy efforts, and policy recommendations aimed at enhancing the financial, social, and legal support systems for survivors.

Read Our Research

Examples of CCFWE Research Key Findings.
A Study on Access to Economic Resources During COVID-19 in the National Capital Region, ON

  • 80% of participants said instances of economic abuse increased during COVID-19 lockdowns.
  • 60-70% of participants said they were worried about their housing situation due to abuse before, during, and after the pandemic.
  • 94% of women have had their rent or bill money spent by their perpetrators without their permission.
  • 84% of women agreed or strongly agreed that as a result of their partner’s actions, their employment or education situation has worsened since the start of the pandemic.
  • Financial institutions were ranked as least helpful among all services

Download the report here: Research Study Ottawa Report

The study sought to explore the prevalence, perceptions, service barriers, needs, and access of survivors of economic abuse as a form of intimate partner violence. The national study surveyed three lines of inquiry, social service agencies, financial institutions, and victim-survivors. Social service providers were interviewed to gain a further understanding of their work, challenges, and successes. The purpose of the study was to develop educational materials for social service providers, and financial institutions to better support clients experiencing economic abuse and a screening too for social service providers, legal agencies, and financial institutions. Finally, the findings will help inform CCFWE on advocacy and policy recommendations. Download the full report here: Understanding the Nature of Economic Abuse: A National Study on Service Provider Insights in Canada. Download the National Study Infographic here: Infographic – Understanding the Nature of Economic Abuse Findings Social Services (n=292)
  • The respondents came from the majority of provinces, unfortunately, we did not receive any response from the territories or Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, and New Brunswick (Ontario 59.6%, Prince Edward Island 6.5%, British Columbia 8.2%, Alberta 8.2%, Newfoundland and Labrador 5.5%, Quebec 1.0%, Manitoba .7%)
  • 23.9% of the respondents worked in rural areas, 40.7% worked in suburban areas and 35.4% worked in metropolitan areas
  • The respondents were asked about services specific to Economic Abuse, 55.2% stated they do have specific support for Economic Abuse, while 44.8% do not.
  • Almost 80% of the respondents stated their organizational supports are effective in helping clients experiencing Economic Abuse
  • While only 43% stated their organization’s current training is effective in helping them aid clients experiencing Economic Abuse
  • Pre-Covid approximately 26% of the clients of the respondents reported Economic Abuse, 52% of respondents noted an increase in calls about Economic Abuse once the provincial lockdowns started.
  • Frequency of the various forms of Economic Abuse
Always Often Sometimes Rarely Never
Pre Post Pre Post Pre Post Pre Post Pre Post
Economic Control 10.3% 12.9% 45.1% 45.6% 29.9% 26.6% 10.3% 10.5% 4.4% 4.4%
Economic Exploitation 10.3% 7.6% 40.9% 38.0% 36.5% 33.6% 10.3% 17.2% 2.0% 3.6%
Economic Sabotage*** 10.7% 13.2% 26.3% 32.0% 33.7% 32.0% 13.2% 14.8% 16.1% 8.0%
Economic abuse 14.6% 13.6% 42.4% 40.8% 32.7% 28.0% 8.8% 13.2% 1.5% 4.4%
Financial abuse 12.1% 15.1% 41.1% 39.4% 30.3% 21.5% 10.0% 17.1% 6.5% 6.8%
Victim Survivors (n=80)
  • Only 14% of the respondents are no longer with their partner. Most victims (25%) are still with their abuser
  • 20% of participants’ partner controls access to money, like access to their bank account or give them an allowance
  • 49% of respondents’ abusers interfere with or control their money, i.e., salary, child maintenance, welfare benefits
  • 41% of victims disagreed that their financial institution was protective of their safety, privacy, and security
  • 35% of victims disagreed or strongly disagreed that their financial institution was able to direct them to outside services to help with economic abuse.
  • 25.7% are experiencing control and interference with the things money can buy or give access to i.e., housing, food, personal belongings, or transportation
Financial Sector Staff (n=76)
  • Less than 30% of financial institution staff were trained on how to recognize financial abuse in victims of intimate partner violence.
  • 67% said they would not be able to recognize Economic Abuse characteristics if a client presented them.
  • 65% said they have not received training on how to recognize Economic Abuse
  • 37% disagreed that their organization’s training is effective in helping them aid clients experiencing financial abuse, while 32% agree or strongly agree with the statement.
  • 66% affirmed their organization’s training helps them aid clients experiencing elder abuse.
  • 52% of staff would like to receive training on the assessment and treatment of intimate partner violence and economic abuse.
  • 60% of staff agree or strongly agree that they would not know what to do if they suspect their client is a victim of IPV.
How to get involved in our research work. To become involved in the research department at CCFWE contact [email protected]

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Our research impact on tackling Economic Abuse

CCFWE’s research backs key submissions to the House of Commons, addressing economic abuse, housing, and disabilities. This data strengthens our system change and policy work and has led to invitations to speak before House committees. Our research was key in the first Economic Abuse Summit, attracting over 350 attendees across the world.

 

Our annual #HelpUsRise awareness campaign uses research findings to reach a wide audience and spark discussion on economic abuse. We use our research to advocate for November 26th as Economic Abuse Awareness Day, with rising recognition of Canada. Click here to learn more about the campaign.

CCFWE research directly shapes the creation of tools for victims and service providers. 

  • STREAR MOBILE‌ app t provides essential knowledge about needs, challenges, and effective strategies to support survivors.  Download the app here
  • We developed an Economic Abuse Screening Tool to empower social service providers, especially shelter workers, to identify and address the economic abuse faced by their clients.  Download here 

This data ensures our tools are relevant, evidence-based, and designed for maximum impact. Learn about economic abuse. Click here to download the

Join Our research impact on tackling Economic Abuse

Are you passionate about addressing economic abuse and its impact on individuals and communities? Do you want to make a difference by contributing to cutting-edge Economic Abuse research or collaborating with experts in the field?

We dedicate ourselves to understanding and combating Economic Abuse through research and collaboration. We invite individuals, organizations, and researchers from diverse backgrounds to join us in our efforts to make a meaningful impact.

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Canadian Center for Women’s Empowerment

Ottawa, Canada
Corp no 1187774-7
[email protected]

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TERRITORIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We recognize that the Canadian Center for Women’s Empowerment is located on unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation. We extend our respect to all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples for their valuable past and present contributions to this land.

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