Podcast Episode 2: Financial Abuse

In Episode 2 of the HER Rising Podcast, I open up about one of the most hidden yet devastating forms of control in relationships: financial abuse.

For so many women, money isn’t just about bills and bank accounts - it becomes a weapon used against them. Today, I want to share not only my own experiences but also the story of a brave woman, whose journey sheds light on just how deeply financial abuse can entangle a person’s life.

What Financial Abuse Looks Like

Financial abuse often hides in plain sight. It can look like:

• Having to ask permission before spending money

• Being given an allowance while your partner controls all income

• Being denied access to your own bank accounts

• Being forced to justify every purchase

• Having debts taken out in your name without your consent

For the woman I shared about in this episode, she was taking on the financial burden of a man who earned twice what she did, had minimal outgoings and did not contribute to anything other than occasional food shops. She did not ask for money because she had two children to a previous abusive partner, but after asking in a support group she was given a lot of feedback that this was a form of financial abuse because she was in debt and he was living comfortably at her house without paying for any bills.

My Own Story

When I went through my own cycle of emotionally harmful relationships, I too faced financial control. The shame and silence around money made it even harder to leave. I thought I had to choose between love and survival. But the truth is, no woman should ever have to make that choice.

Tools That Helped Me Reclaim Power

In this episode, I also share tools and practices that supported me, that may support you too in breaking free:

• Awareness: Recognising the signs of financial abuse is the first step.

• Documenting Everything: Keeping records of accounts, bills, and debts in your name.

• Support Networks: Reaching out to trusted friends, support groups, or professionals who can guide you.

• Small Acts of Autonomy: Even tiny steps, like saving a few pounds in a private account or choosing how you spend a small amount of money, can help rebuild your sense of control.

• Self-Worth Work: Releasing the belief that you have to “earn” love by sacrificing your financial freedom.

You’re Not Alone

Financial abuse thrives in silence and shame. If you see yourself in this story, please know you are not weak - you are surviving. And you deserve more than survival; you deserve a life of dignity, safety, and freedom.

👉 You can listen to the full episode here on Spotify, or watch on YouTube.

And if this resonates, I’d love to hear from you. Comment below or share this post with a friend who might need to hear it.

Because when one woman rises, we all rise.