Economic abuse can happen to anyone, Alberta advocates say

The Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters (ACWS) is asking all Albertans to help shine a light on one of the least understood forms of abuse.

Its new online survey aims to better understand economic abuse and who it affects, while also educating participants on how to recognize it. It’s meant for all Albertans no matter their experience, as the ACWS is hoping to grow public understanding and awareness on this widespread form of abuse.

According to the Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment (CCFWE) , around 96 per cent of women who’ve experienced abuse have dealt with some form of economic abuse. Dr. Miranda Pilipchuk, ACWS’ manager of research and evaluation, said that in their data sets, economic abuse consistently ranks in the top three of most common forms of abuse, despite it being underreported.

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The survey is designed in a way that educates respondents first, so that they fully understand the different forms of economic abuse— such as controlling of money, controlling of basic needs and economic exploitation, to name a few—before reflecting on their own experiences. The survey also includes questions on the effectiveness of supports and programs in Alberta and the demographics respondents fall in.

None of the questions are mandatory, allowing respondents to share as much information as they’d like. ACWS’ Executive Director Cat Champagne said the survey is meant to educate all Albertans so that the signs of abuse aren’t as easily missed in the future.

“We all have a role to play as Albertans when it comes to abuse in any form,” Champagne said. “We can’t play a role if we’re not informed. We like to say that domestic violence is an everyone problem and it needs an everyone solution.”

The survey is open until Sept. 25, with a report on the findings planned for Nov. 26 on economic abuse awareness day. Champagne said the findings are expected to inform future education and advocacy efforts across the province.

According to the Government of Canada , economic abuse occurs when someone uses money or other resources to control or harm a person, which then limits their ability to be independent.

The term is broader than financial abuse, though the two are often used interchangeably. Financial abuse involves controlling or misusing someone’s money, banking, credit, debt or property. Economic abuse can include financial abuse, but also extends to restricting access to employment, education, housing, transportation, childcare and other basic needs.

It also does not necessarily end when a relationship does. According to the CCFWE , economic abuse can continue long after separation, including through joint debt, hidden income or child support, creating barriers that can make it more difficult for survivors to regain their independence and rebuild their lives.