Economic abuse is defined as controlling a survivor’s access to money, jobs, resources to create dependence; which is an example?

• A. Withholding funds, preventing work, sabotaging employment, controlling bank accounts, credit restrictions
• B. Providing funds freely
• C. Supporting the survivor's employment
• D. Granting access to all bank accounts

Answer: (A)

Economic abuse centers on using financial control to create dependence, by limiting access to money, jobs, and resources. The example that best fits this is withholding funds, preventing work, sabotaging employment, controlling bank accounts, and restricting credit. These actions directly strip the survivor of financial autonomy: funds are blocked, earning opportunities are undermined, and access to financial resources is controlled, which traps them in the abusive situation.

Why this is the best fit: each behavior narrows the survivor’s ability to meet basic needs and plan for the future, making it much harder to leave or seek help. Financial dependence is a powerful lever for the abuser, reinforcing control and isolation.

Why the other options don’t fit: providing funds freely would not be controlling; it could even empower the survivor. Supporting the survivor’s employment promotes independence and safety. Granting access to all bank accounts would reduce control, not sustain it, and thus does not illustrate economic abuse.