One in six women have experienced economic abuse

A federal parliamentary committee is examining financial abuse and the ability of current systems and laws to protect victims.

The committee has heard that in one community program run by South East Community Links, 16 of the 24 participants from culturally diverse backgrounds didn't even know if they had a bank account.

Labor MP Zaneta Mascarenhas, who is on the committee, is calling for better support for culturally and linguistically diverse women experiencing financial abuse.

Labor MP Zaneta Mascarenhas wants better data collection to determine how many people from CALD backgrounds experience economic abuse. (ABC News: West Matteeussen)

"We've learnt it's costing the economy $10.9 billion and I'd say that culturally and linguistically diverse women make up a significant proportion of this," she said.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics' 2021-2022 personal safety survey, one in six women had experienced economic abuse at the hands of their partner.

Economic abuse is a form of domestic violence where abusers use money and resources to control their partner or family member.

Professor Jaya Dantas from Curtin University said cultural differences and language and knowledge barriers can make it harder to access support.

"If they are impacted, their challenges are greater," Professor Dantas said.

"The knowledge barrier is significant, even educated women trying to navigate the system find it so challenging."

More data and more funding needed

Ms Mascarenhas also wants better data collection to determine how many people from CALD backgrounds experience economic abuse.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics began recording economic abuse in its 2021-2022 personal safety survey.

The Labor MP said the ABS should also record ethnicity and language in that survey.

"I think that more data is a good thing so we can have appropriate responses," she said.

Ms Mascarenhas also wants more transparency in budget announcements for multicultural communities, along with better education and improved response services.

"I think it's really important we have an appropriate dollar response to address domestic violence at all stages, including economic abuse."

Professor Dantas says there are other barriers to women experiencing economic abuse from getting help, including getting access to legal advice.

"It can cost $400 to $600 for [legal] advice, many a time these women don't have that money, and legal aid has a wait time."

She said the lack of resources can lead women to stay in abusive relationships for longer.

"I have women come to me and say it's too hard, where am I going to go?"

Rani said she wants her story to be a lesson for other women.

"If seeing this, just one woman in Australia can make the right decision and keep their eyes open, I will be happy."

EDITOR'S NOTE: September 20, 2024: A previous version of this story included a case study. The case study has been removed for privacy reasons.

Labor MP calls for greater support for CALD women who are target of financial abuse - ABC News

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