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  Economic Abuse Survey

Help us better understand economic abuse in Alberta.

Take the Economic Abuse Survey

Take the ACWS Economic Abuse Survey

They controlled every dollar you spent. 

They prevented you from working—or controlled where, when, or how much you could work. 

They put debt in your name, withheld money, or denied you access to basic needs. 

There’s a name for that: economic abuse. 

Economic abuse is one of the most common forms of gender-based violence—and one of the least understood. Many people have experienced it without recognizing it as abuse. Others may have seen the signs in the life of a friend, family member, colleague, or client without knowing what to call it. 

That’s why we want to hear from all Albertans—whether you have experienced economic abuse, witnessed it, are unsure, or don’t believe it has affected you at all. 

Take the ACWS Economic Abuse Survey to learn more about economic abuse and help us better understand experiences of economic abuse in Alberta. The survey takes approximately 10–15 minutes, and what we learn will help strengthen education, prevention, and responses for people experiencing economic abuse. 

Take the survey now.

What it looks like 

Economic abuse can come from a partner, a family member, or anyone else in a position of trust, and it can happen to anyone, regardless of age, income, or background. Here’s what it can look like. 

Controlling your money: 

Deciding how the household’s money is spent without consulting you. 

  • Taking your money, tips, or benefit payments 
  • Stopping you from having your own bank account 
  • Giving you an “allowance” and making you ask for money when you need it 
  • Making major financial decisions without telling you 

Controlling how you make money: 

Limiting your ability to work, study, or build a career of your own. 

  • Making it hard for you to keep a job or attend school 
  • Restricting where or when you can work  
  • Threatening your employment or acting in a way that puts your job at risk 

Controlling your basic needs: 

Withholding everyday things, often while shaming you for needing them. 

  • Restricting money for food, clothing, or bills 
  • Stopping you from buying essential items like medication or menstrual products 
  • Withholding access to your ID, phone, or vehicle 

Economic exploitation: 

Pressuring you to sacrifice your own financial security for theirs.

  • Pressuring you to borrow, or borrowing and not repaying you 
  • Putting credit cards, loans, or bills in your name
  • Applying for government benefits in your name without your knowledge 

Misusing legal or financial systems: 

Turning courts, banks, or insurers into another way to control or punish you. 

  • Filing frivolous claims that damage your credit or finances
  • Using the legal system to block or force a sale of shared property
  • Sending threatening messages through e-transfers or other banking tools 

Threats, spoken or implied: 

Using fear to manipulate you. 

  • Explicit threats to hurt you, a loved one, or themselves over money
  • Implied threats, like “we’ll lose everything if you don’t give me this” 

Myth vs. Fact 

Myth: “Economic abuse only happens to irresponsible people.” 

Fact: It can happen to anyone, no matter how careful or responsible they are. 

Myth: “It isn’t as serious as other kinds of abuse.” 

Fact: Economic abuse can have devastating, lifelong consequences that ripple into every area of a survivor’s life. 

Myth: “Rebuilding afterward is easy.” 

Fact: Rebuilding is incredibly difficult and can take years of focused effort and support. 

Myth: “It wouldn’t happen to someone like me.” 

Fact: Economic abuse happens to people of all backgrounds, experiences, and income levels. 

 

The Economic Abuse Survey 

ACWS’s first province-wide Economic Abuse Survey helps us understand how common economic abuse really is in Alberta, and will shape how we respond to and support survivors in the future. Every response matters. 

Take the survey now. 

 If you need support now: