Economic violence is any action taken by one individual that affects the economic survival of another. It is presented through limitations, aimed at controlling the income obtained; as well as the perception of a lower salary for equal work, within the same workplace.
Economic violence is intended to coerce the autonomy of a person from the family group, which causes or could cause economic damage, or evade maintenance obligations. Like other forms of violence, its function is to generate dependency and fear, which help reinforce the primacy of the male head of the family, in a pattern of gender inequality that is prolonged thanks to violence.
This type of violence is framed within gender violence and refers to the inequality that exists in the access to economic resources that should be shared between men and women. Some cases of economic violence in the home can occur in two ways:
When it is the man who exercises the role of provider, that is, the man is the one who works and contributes all the money for the maintenance of the home, therefore he supervises and controls all expenses. He can threaten the woman with leaving her on the street or taking custody of her children.
Another way is when it is the man who "lives" off the woman, that is, the woman is the one who works to support the family or the one who contributes the most money. The man with great cunning is in charge of manipulating her to give him the money and be able to manage it.
Elements that must be taken into account to identify that you are being a victim of economic violence:
When you do not have access to bank accounts, checkbooks, credit cards, etc.
You have to explain everything you spend; they deny you the money necessary to meet your needs (eat, dress, go to recreation places, etc.)
They do not allow you to study or work; They refuse to pay the alimony for the children.
You cannot participate in the financial decisions of the household.
The effects that originate this kind of violence are manifested in person with episodes of depression, low self-esteem, many women become beggars in their own home.
What to do in these cases?
The first thing is to recognize that you are being a victim of economic violence and try to become independent, have confidence in yourself and try to earn your own income.
