FINANCIAL ABUSE IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE: HOW CAN ISLAMIC FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS PLAY THEIR ROLE?

Abstract

While domestic violence in a marriage is commonly associated with physical and mental abuse, there has been an increasing number of cases involving financial abuse in the form of financial control, financial deprivation, sabotage, and exploitation of the spouse’s financial resources. This study aims to conceptualise financial abuse from the Domestic Violence Act 1994 perspective. The study explores the role of Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) in overcoming this issue and providing several recommendations to help the abused women from financial perspective. This study examines relevant laws, policy and regulations in Malaysia that may provide some sort of financial protection to those women. A critical analysis of the laws and policy is important as a starting point in protecting women who are facing this financial difficulty. Based on the research conducted, it is believed that IFIs can play an effective role in assisting financially abused victims. This study is only limited to the Malaysian domestic violence situation but can be further extended through a more comprehensive empirical legal research. Findings of this study could serve as a guide for policymakers, Shari’ah Court, and related government agencies (such as the Department of Social Welfare Malaysia) as well as the IFIs to assist women who are affected by financial abuse.