The Scottish Law Commission has highlighted the urgent need for reform in addressing domestic abuse, emphasising the significance of recognising both tech and financial abuse. As the landscape of abuse evolves, these forms of coercion require specific legal attention to protect victims effectively.
What is Tech Abuse?
Tech abuse involves the use of technology to control, harass, or stalk an individual. This can manifest in various forms, including:
– Monitoring Devices: Abusers may install tracking software on a partner’s phone or computer or log into their partners emails in order to keep tabs on their whereabouts and communications without consent.
– Social Media Manipulation: This includes coercive control over online accounts, such as demanding passwords or using social media to spread rumours or lies.
– Cyberbullying: Constant messaging, sending threats via email, or using social media to intimidate can create an atmosphere of fear and control.
Financial Abuse: A Hidden Crisis
Financial abuse is another critical aspect that can leave victims trapped in an abusive relationship.
Signs of financial control may include:
– Denying Access to Funds: Abusers may control a partner’s access to bank accounts, forcing them to ask for money or limiting their spending.
– Monitoring Spending: Partners may find their expenses scrutinised or their financial decisions questioned, leading to a loss of independence.
– Coercive Debt: Abusers might pressure their partners into taking out loans or credit cards in their name, creating financial obligations that keep them tethered to the relationship.
In many cases, victims may feel they cannot leave because of financial instability, exacerbated by the abuser’s control.
For more information about financial control, please read our news article in The Herald on how to spot and stop a financially controlling relationship.
Tips to Prevent Tech Abuse and Financial Control
To safeguard yourself from tech abuse, regularly review your privacy settings on all devices. If you suspect your partner is accessing your email, change your passwords immediately. Additionally, avoid using shared devices that could allow them to monitor your online activity.
To foster financial independence, make discussions about money a regular part of your relationship. Ensure you know your bank account passwords and keep track of your bills. Where possible, maintain your earning capacity and scrutinise any financial documents before signing. If you’re uncertain about any agreements, seek independent financial advice. Additionally, communicate with your bank to safeguard against unauthorised withdrawals.
How We Can Help You
If you’re married, a Family Lawyer can seek spousal maintenance called aliment from the court to ensure that you receive a set sum of money to cover essential expenditure if you can prove that you need this.
Your solicitor can also help you with separating your finances, getting access to bank accounts, recovering bank statements and obtaining child maintenance. This applies whether you’re married or not.
The problem with financial control and tech abuse is that it can build gradually over time. If you think you are experiencing any aspect of financial or tech abuse, seek professional advice and constructive measures will be put in place to protect you.
We offer all our clients a free, 15-minute consultation call with one of our Edinburgh solicitors to determine how we can help. Call our office on 0131 622 8477 email [email protected] or submit your enquiry here.
