Economic abuse can influence leaving decisions by creating which barrier?

• A. Easy access to savings
• B. Dependency on the abuser due to controlled finances
• C. Independent housing opportunity
• D. Access to stable income

Answer: (B)

Economic abuse uses financial control to create dependence, a powerful barrier to leaving. When the abuser monitors or restricts access to money, sabotages employment, or depletes a survivor’s resources, the person becomes reliant on the abuser for basic needs like housing, food, and transportation. Leaving requires funds for rent, safety planning, legal costs, childcare, and moving logistics, so financial dependence makes departure feel dangerous or impossible. That’s why this option best explains the barrier. If someone had easy access to savings, independent housing, or a stable income, those factors would reduce the barrier rather than create it.