Financial Abuse Research Articles

Men’s Experiences of Gender Based Violence in Selected Compounds of Lusaka Urban

The study investigated men’s experiences of Gender Based Violence in selected compounds of Lusaka Urban. The study adopted an interpretivist perspective which seeks to understand participants’ lived experiences of Gender based Violence. The study was conducted in two compounds of Lusaka Urban. The study sites were chosen because of their high prevalence of Gender Based Violence as reported on social media. The study was premised on the following research objectives; to determine the nature of Gender Based Violence against men, to explore the factors that lead to Gender Based Violence against men and to investigate men’s reactions in the face of Gender Based Violence. The study sample consisted of fourty-six (46) participants, thirty four (34) of whom were men from both Garden and Matero Compounds, four (4) representatives from the Zambia Police Victim Support Unit and eight (8) Church leaders. Purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used. The findings of the study revealed that among the forms of Gender Based Violence perpetrated against men were emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical assault, financial abuse and verbal abuse. Other factors that led to Gender Based Violence against men were failure of a man to provide for family needs especially after change of economic status, alcohol abuse, retaliation to past mistreatment of wives by husbands, adultery and psychological disorders. Regarding men’s reactions in the face of Gender Based Violence, the study showed that few men reported cases of Gender Based Violence against them. This was attributed to the fact that men faced barriers such as societal view of battered men, police attitudes towards battered men and being ignored by the law enforcement bodies.

The Mental Health of Emerging Adults: Hostile Home Environments and COVID-19.

Due to shifts in societal and educational expectations alongside the COVID-19 pandemic, many emerging adults live with their family of origin for extended periods of time. Little is known about patterns of parent-perpetrated maltreatment in emerging adulthood. Therefore, this study evaluates the relation between forms of parent-perpetrated maltreatment, including economic abuse, and COVID stress, on symptoms of depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress. 423 emerging adults who were enrolled in college in the United States in March of 2020 were recruited via MTurk to complete an online survey. An age-related COVID questionnaire and six empirically validated measures assess levels of COVID-19 exposure, lifetime maltreatment, economic abuse, and mental health status. 13.0% of participants reported maltreatment that most recently occurred over the age of 18 in their household of origin. Mean COVID stress level was found to be significantly higher in the Maltreated Over 18 group compared to the Never Maltreated group (t(345) = -3.03, p = 0.003), and in the Maltreated Under 18 group compared to the Never Maltreated group (t(346) = -3.20, p = 0.002). In accounting for the contribution of demographic variables, maltreatment chronicity, economic abuse, and COVID stress, our model predicted 38.6% of variance in depression symptoms, 37.2% of variance in anxiety symptoms, and 42.9% of variance in traumatic stress. Findings indicate need for increased maltreatment screenings within the emerging adult population and calls for age-specific interventions to address the mental health disparities experienced by emerging adults with maltreatment histories.

Economic Abuse and Criminal Responsibility: Lithuanian Case Law on Domestic Violence

Summary Though economic abuse is under researched in Lithuania it is not less widespread nor less serious as physical or sexual violence. The objective of this article is to determine the scope of prosecuting economic abuse in context of domestic violence. Desk research methodology based on case study is used: qualitative content research of Lithuanian case law. The findings of the research suggest that prosecution of economic abuse as a specific form of domestic violence is rather limited in Lithuania: i.e., criminalization is only partial; law enforcement faces difficulties in recognizing and evidencing it; the case law is not adequate (e. g., prosecution mostly focuses on physical violence, it is incident-based, ignores the specifics of domestic violence and economic abuse is commonly interpreted as context of systemic violence but not an independent basis for prosecution). Accordingly, there is a need to enhance criminal law response to economic abuse and explore for the optimal alternative to ensure this in Lithuania.

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

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.

Abusive episodes among home-dwelling persons with dementia and their informal caregivers: a cross-sectional Norwegian study

BackgroundElder abuse is a serious issue with a global prevalence of 15.7% in the community setting. Persons with dementia are at higher risk of elder abuse than the older population in general. With a high and increasing prevalence of dementia this issue cannot be neglected. Hence, the aims of this study were 1) to describe the proportion of abusive episodes among home-dwelling persons with dementia and their informal caregivers, and 2) to explore differences between informal caregivers who have reported committing and not committing abusive acts.MethodsA cross-sectional survey was conducted among informal caregivers of home-dwelling persons with dementia in Norway from May to December 2021 with a total of 549 participants.ResultsTwo-thirds of informal caregivers had committed at least one abusive episode toward the person with dementia in the past year (63.5% psychological abuse, 9.4% physical abuse, 3.9% financial abuse, 2.4% sexual abuse, 6.5% neglect). One-third of informal caregivers had experienced aggression from the person with dementia (33.9% psychological abuse, 7.8% physical abuse, 1.1% financial abuse, 1.4% sexual abuse). Tests for independence showed that the risk of abusive episodes from informal caregivers toward persons with dementia was higher when the informal caregiver was a spouse/partner of the person with dementia and if they experienced aggression from the person with dementia.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that a majority of informal caregivers commit some form of abusive episodes, and episodes that fall within the scope of psychological abuse are most frequent. This study expands knowledge about elder abuse among home-dwelling persons with dementia. Increased understanding of the dynamics of abuse is essential to be able to reduce risk and prevent abuse.

'I didn't even know it was a thing': Australian young adults' experience of economic abuse.

Economic abuse is a form of intimate partner violence that involves one partner controlling or restricting, exploiting or sabotaging the economic resources of the other partner. Little is known how economic abuse manifests in young people's relationships or how to prevent it. This study explored young adults' experiences of economic abuse and identified the factors associated with economic abuse in their relationships. Twenty-four young adults (18 women and 6 men) aged 18-29, were interviewed in-depth using both unstructured narrative and semi-structured interview questions. Thematic analysis was used to identify forms of economic abuse. Common experiences of economic abuse included: exploitation of financial and other resources, controlling access to money, damage to property and sabotage of employment and study. The contextual factors included lack of awareness of economic abuse, valuing love and relationships over money and fear of conflict and rejection. We argue that economic abuse prevention strategies should target young adults in their relationship formation stage and take into account the context of relationships and the issues young people face when venturing into cohabitation.

Dependency, Paternalism and Financial Control of Women on South African Wine Farms

This study examined the experiences of women farmworkers on South African wine farms, which have a troubling history of paternalism and dependency. This article discusses the enactment of patriarchal norms on South African wine farms today, especially concerning women of colour. Our qualitative study draws on the experiences of 30 farmworkers on five wine farms in the Western Cape. We argue that the women on these farms are reduced to the most exploited participants in the production network and that their exploitation and dependency subsidise the functioning of farm production networks. Our study finds that farms are able to secure the reproductive and casual labour of women through their dependency on men as their partners and farmers, with their partners sometimes acting as informal labour brokers. Increased labour casualisation on wine farms places women at risk, exposing them to the danger of financial control and abuse. We conclude that current norms and practices on South African wine farms rely on the continued oppression of women farmworkers.

An integrative review of research on gambling and domestic and family violence: Fresh perspectives to guide future research.

This paper presents an integrative review of research on domestic and family violence (DFV), including intimate partner violence (IPV), experienced by victims and perpetrators with a gambling problem. It aims to review, critique, and synthesize research on this topic to generate fresh and alternative perspectives to guide future research. Based on a systematic search of the academic literature and a targeted search of gray literature, the paper summarizes findings from empirical studies pertaining to the prevalence of perpetration and victimization, characteristics of perpetrators and victims, and explanations for this violence. Based on this review, the paper suggests several potential improvements that can be considered in future studies. These include a shift from focusing on situational violence to also include coercive control; greater sensitivity in research design and interpretation to gender differences in experiences of violence; and the need to include economic abuse as a form of DFV/IPV. Adopting a public health lens is also recommended to broaden the research focus from victims and perpetrators to also consider contextual factors. In particular, gambling research should examine the contribution of gambling products, practices, environments, and marketing to DFV/IPV and how this might be ameliorated. While research to date has drawn much needed attention to the risks that gambling presents for DFV/IPV, this review provides some suggestions for future research so that it can provide more nuanced findings to inform policy and practice.

EU: Data retention by providers of electronic communications services for the purpose of fighting criminal offences of financial market abuse

Article EU: Data retention by providers of electronic communications services for the purpose of fighting criminal offences of financial market abuse was published on October 1, 2022 in the journal Computer Law Review International (volume 23, issue 5).

Types of Economic Abuse in Postseparation Lives of Women Experiencing IPV: A Qualitative Study from Finland.

There is growing interest in economic abuse as a form of violence against women, but the research has largely addressed cohabiting couples thus far, with few detailed explorations of women's experiences of economic abuse in postseparation life. Using interviews with 11 women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), this study investigates the types of economic abuse in the lives of these women. Inductive thematic analysis revealed four types of postseparation economic abuse (PSEA): economic sabotage, withholding resources, financial harassment, and stealing. These results help better understand and recognize the different forms of PSEA. Recommendations are provided for incorporating PSEA as a central component of IPV research, practice, and policy.

Human Rights in the context of Financial Market Abuse

In this article, the author reviews the European Union law regarding market abuse from a human rights perspective. Setting the foundation for the discussion from a historical perspective on the different legislative approaches on the issue of market abuse, the article continues with the ECHR’s and CJEU’s relevant case-law on the subject. Mainly, the right to a fair trial and the ne bis in idem rule are the fundamental rights that should be looked at closely when placing the market abuse regulations under scrutiny. Certain irregularities of the legislation are outlined. Also, the article tries to point out on which aspects improvements should be pursued.

The Canadian approach to elder financial abuse from a legal and clinical perspective: A narrative review

Elder financial abuse is a growing problem, with significant consequences for society. It is unclear if differences exist in the clinical and legal approach to financial abuse across Canada, thus the purpose of this review. Five databases were searched during the primary literature search. Secondary literature search involved searching grey literature and handpicking references from selected articles. Only articles in English were included. From 10,260 articles initially screened, 30 were included in the review. No literature was identified describing differences in the clinical approach to financial abuse, and no single definition or legislation on financial abuse was identified. Mandatory reporting is required for individuals in a hospital or care facility by only five provinces. This review has identified several important knowledge gaps on the differences in the clinical management of financial abuse, and a lack of definition, legislation and overall mandatory reporting across Canada, which requires further research.

Abuse of enduring power of attorneys and real estate transactions in Australian courts

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to highlight how people acting as Enduring Power of Attorney (EPoA) abuse their privilege in relation to real estate transactions through analysis of five court cases. This study thereby provides insight into how and why adult children cross the line into the realm of misconduct.Design/methodology/approachThe approach involved a review of various court proceedings relating to elder financial abuse, and the synthesis of the important facts and judgements made that constitute unconscionable conduct, undue influence and passive acceptance of benefit. The cases selected focus on real estate transactions.FindingsThe research revealed some key commonalities and that property and living arrangements are the issues highly contested in courts for small estates.Practical implicationsThe case review provides some critical findings that are valuable for wealth management professionals or managing an ageing person’s care and living arrangements. It provides practical insights for the importance of independent legal and financial advice when entering real estate transactions. The findings also inform real estate agent practice in helping to reduce elder financial abuse through robust checks if an Attorney is acting on behalf of a Principal. The authors also support improving EPoA guidance and professionalization to assist Attorney’s to carry out their duties with appropriate care.Originality/valueA review of cases relating to EPoA in relation to real estate is novel and makes an important contribution to developing resources to educate Attorney’s and financial service professionals, including real estate agents.

“They just did what they usually do”: Mistreatment, abuse, and neglect in nursing homes from the perspective of Ministry of Health auditing teams

The aim of this article was to examine how Ministry of Health auditing teams experience quality of care, mistreatment, abuse, and neglect in nursing homes in Israel. The research included four in-depth focus groups consisting of 19 multidisciplinary auditors. The qualitative analysis was encoded in stages with repeated comparisons between individual participants and within groups and led to three main themes: (1) Failure in addressing basic, personal, and social needs of residents in nursing homes; (2) Mistreatment manifested in violation of residents’ privacy and human dignity, neglect, and physical harm; (3) Abuse, including psychological, financial, and physical abuse. The findings can be explained by the characteristics of nursing homes as total institutions, as well as perceptions of ageism and de-humanization of the residents. In addition, the findings highlight the importance of the auditing role in monitoring the nursing homes’ quality of care and the safety of the residents.

Impact of the Domestic Violence Housing First Model on Survivors' Safety and Housing Stability: 12-Month Findings.

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a widespread and devastating phenomenon resulting in a myriad of long-term consequences for survivors and their children. IPV victimization not only has negative health and economic consequences, it has also been linked to homelessness and housing instability. In response, the Domestic Violence Housing First (DVHF) model is being used in some domestic violence (DV) agencies to help survivors attain safe and stable housing. The model includes using individualized advocacy and/or flexible funding to help survivors meet these goals. Using a longitudinal, quasi-experimental design, the current study involved conducting interviews with survivors and examining agency records to investigate the effectiveness of this model. We hypothesized that survivors who received DVHF would experience less re-abuse and greater housing stability over 12 months compared to those who received services as usual (SAU). The sample included 345 IPV survivors who had been homeless or unstably housed when they approached one of five DV programs for help. Interviews were spaced 6 months apart (when survivors first sought services as well as 6 months and 12 months later). Longitudinal analyses showed that survivors who received the DVHF model reported greater improvements in housing stability at both the 6-month and 12-month time points compared to those receiving SAU. At the 12-month time point, survivors who had received DVHF reported decreased physical, psychological, and economic abuse, as well as the use of their children against them as a form of abuse. This study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting this model's effectiveness and adds to our understanding of factors impacting the long-term housing stability and safety for IPV survivors.

A Qualitative Inquiry of the Causes of Economic Abuse Among Women in Intimate Relationships in Ghana

A Qualitative Inquiry of the Causes of Economic Abuse Among Women in Intimate Relationships in Ghana

What Matters When Examining Attitudes of Economic Abuse? Gender and Student Status as Predictors of Blaming, Minimizing, and Excusing Economic Abuse.

Extensive research has been conducted regarding attitudes toward various types and patterns of violence against intimate partners, but there is a lack of research on attitudes toward economic abuse in general. In the current study, we examined attitudes toward economic abuse by examining how participants blamed the victim, minimized the economic abuse, and excused the perpetrator in hypothetical scenarios. We also examined two characteristics of participants: binary gender differences (i.e., woman, man) and differences between students and non-students. Participants (N = 239) were recruited via the SONA system of a private university (n = 120) and via Amazon's Mechanical Turk (n = 119). Participants were randomly assigned to read one of two hypothetical scenarios to evaluate how scenario condition (i.e., victim employed, victim unemployed), participant gender, and participant student status predicted attitudes toward economic abuse involving blaming, minimizing, and excusing. Moreover, we also examined ambivalent sexism and gender role ideology as predictors. A 2 (scenario condition: job, no job) × 2 (participant gender: woman, man) × 2 (student status: college student, non-college student) MANOVA indicated main effects of both participant gender and participant student status. Follow-up ANOVAs revealed that men were more likely to blame victims, minimize the economic abuse, and excuse perpetrators compared to women. Additionally, students were less likely to minimize the economic abuse compared to non-students. Moreover, both hostile sexism and traditional gender role ideology were significant predictors. Implications of the findings and future directions for researchers are discussed.

‘for Gamelyn was yongest he shuld have nought’: (Economic) Violence, Outlawry, and the Pursuit of Justice in The Tale of Gamelyn

The inheritance problem at the heart of the late fourteenth-century poem The Tale of Gamelyn sets into motion a series of legal and economic abuses which leave the protagonist dispossessed, outlawed, and vulnerable to physical and psychological harm. This article reads the poem in conjunction with medieval inheritance law as well as contemporary (twenty-first century) studies of domestic abuse to argue that Gamelyn, as a victim of “economic violence,” develops a strategy of resistance dependent upon homosocial relationships in order to correct law and order, restore personal and political justice, and, ultimately, survive abuse.

Tác động của đại dịch COVID-19 đối với bạo lực gia đình đối ở phụ nữ tại Hà Nội, Việt Nam: Kết quả của nghiên cứu phương pháp hỗn hợp

Objectives: This study primarily aimed to examine the impacts of the pandemic on women who were victims of domestic violence in Hanoi, Vietnam. Also, we explored the causes of domestic violence during the pandemic and women’s coping strategies in such situations. Methods: A cross-sectional design was applied, using both quantitative data (n=303) and qualitative data (n=15) with the research subject of women who have experienced domestic violence. Results: There were 34%, 58.7%, 57.8%, and 25.1% of women suffering from financial abuse, physical violence, emotional violence, and sexual violence during the COVID-19 pandemic, respectively. A high proportion of women (more than 70%) reported that they suffered more frequently during the pandemic comparing to the period of pre-pandemic. The prevalence of all types of domestic violence was higher in households which had to borrow money or sell assets due to the pandemic, compared with households without dept. The higher frequency of husband/partner’s drinking, the higher prevalence of domestic violence. The qualitative study disclosed that job losses or having no income were the main roots of domestic violence during the pandemic and alcohol consumption among husbands/partners also considerably played a role in exacerbating the events of domestic violence. However, more than half of them did not seek support to escape from violent events since they are perceived as personal or private issues, and no one could help them. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the domestic violence against women. Therefore, it is needed to prioritize and integrate domestic violence issues into prevention, response, and risk mitigation parts of COVID-19-related programs.

Some Imperfections of the Modern Economic System

The modern economic system has promoted corporate value creation and capture as well as national growth, but is not lacking imperfections. Platform owners such as Amazon, Facebook, Apple and Google have become dominant, but their stakeholders have suffered under their grip, with loss of privacy and private choice, increased wealth concentration and economic inequality, and overconsumption and abuse of natural resources. I discuss the societal grand challenges linked to these caveats of the economic system, noting that current efforts to remedy this system are unlikely to suffice. I then identify the root cause of these problems, which I attribute to greed and consequent opportunistic behavior. Countering such behavior is a first step towards a solution.