Financial abuse is the illegal or unauthorized use of someone else’s money or property. It includes pressuring someone for money or property. Abusers are usually people who have a close connection to the victim. They can include a spouse, son or daughter, other relative, friend, neighbour, or caregiver. They use their connection to take advantage and force victims to do what they want. Financial abuse can be difficult to identify or recognize. It is often a pattern, happening over a long period of time, rather than a single event. The important thing about protecting yourself from financial abuse is to remember that your money and property belong to you. They are not your family’s or anyone else’s.
If you think you are experiencing financial abuse, ask for help. The abuser may try to make you think that
you are the one that is causing the problem, but this is not true. If you don’t have a family member or close friend who can help you, there are community resources you can use to stop the abuse.
Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario
1-416-916-6728
www.eapon.ca
