Domestic Violence: Financial Safety Planning
Key Takeaways
- 1Understanding domestic violence: financial safety planning is crucial for financial success
- 2Professional guidance can save thousands in taxes and fees
- 3Early planning leads to better outcomes
- 4GTA residents have unique considerations for divorce planning
- 5Taking action now prevents costly mistakes later
Quick Summary
This article covers 5 key points about key takeaways, providing essential insights for informed decision-making.
Quick Answer
If you're in an abusive relationship, prioritize safety while building financial independence. Open secret accounts at new banks, save cash gradually, gather important documents, and connect with domestic violence resources. Ontario shelters, Ontario Works, and victim services can provide emergency financial assistance. Safety planning should involve a domestic violence advocate.
If You Are in Immediate Danger
Call 911 for emergencies. For support:
Assaulted Women's Helpline: 1-866-863-0511 (24/7)
Fem'aide (French): 1-877-336-2433
Your safety comes first. The information below is for planning when it is safe to do so.
Financial abuse is present in 99% of domestic violence cases. Abusers use money as a tool of control - restricting access, sabotaging employment, running up debt in your name, and making you financially dependent. Breaking free requires careful financial safety planning, ideally with the help of a domestic violence advocate. This guide provides strategies, but should be used alongside professional support.
Understanding Financial Safety Planning
Financial safety planning is not just about money - it's about creating options. Every dollar saved, document secured, and skill built increases your ability to leave safely when the time is right.
What Financial Abuse Looks Like
- Controlling all household money and providing an "allowance"
- Preventing you from working or sabotaging your employment
- Taking your paycheque
- Running up debt in your name
- Hiding income and assets
- Making all financial decisions without your input
- Threatening to cut you off financially if you leave
Building Financial Safety While Still in the Relationship
Opening a Secret Account
If it's safe to do so:
- Different bank: Not the same institution as any joint accounts
- Different address: Shelter, trusted friend, PO box, or workplace
- Paperless only: No mail to your home
- New email: Create a new email your partner doesn't know
- Privacy mode: Clear browser history or use incognito/private browsing
Banks Can Help
Some banks have protocols for abuse survivors. TD, RBC, and Scotiabank have trained staff who can help open accounts discreetly. Ask to speak with a manager privately about your situation. They may waive ID requirements if you're fleeing without documents.
Saving Money Safely
- Small, regular cash withdrawals (less noticeable)
- Cash back at grocery store purchases
- Ask trusted family/friends to hold funds
- Prepaid debit/credit cards (buy with cash)
- Hide cash in a secure location outside the home
Gathering Documents
When safe, secure copies of:
- ID: Passport, driver's license, health card, SIN
- Financial: Bank statements, tax returns, pay stubs
- Property: Deeds, vehicle registration, insurance
- Children: Birth certificates, SIN cards, school records
- Evidence: Photos of abuse, threatening messages (screenshot to hidden email)
Key Takeaways
- 1Safety is the priority - financial planning happens alongside safety planning with an advocate
- 2Open accounts at different banks with new email, paperless statements, and different address
- 3Gather copies of essential documents (ID, banking, tax returns, property) when safe
- 4Ontario shelters, Ontario Works, and victim services provide emergency financial help
- 5Post-separation: secure credit, change passwords, monitor for identity theft
Quick Summary
This article covers 5 key points about key takeaways, providing essential insights for informed decision-making.
Emergency Financial Resources in Ontario
Immediate Needs
Emergency Financial Help
| Resource | What They Provide |
|---|---|
| Women's Shelters | Emergency housing, food, funds, advocacy |
| Ontario Works | Emergency financial assistance, ongoing support |
| Victim Services | Emergency funds, practical support |
| Salvation Army | Emergency financial assistance |
| United Way 211 | Referrals to local resources |
| Legal Aid Ontario | Free legal help for qualifying individuals |
Ongoing Income Support
- Ontario Works: Basic needs and shelter allowance
- ODSP: If you have a disability
- Canada Child Benefit: Monthly payments for children
- GST/HST Credit: Quarterly payments
- Ontario Trillium Benefit: Energy/property assistance
Leaving Safely
Financial Go-Bag
Prepare a bag stored outside the home (with trusted person, at work, in car):
- Cash and/or prepaid cards
- ID documents (or copies)
- Bank account information
- Phone charger
- Essential medications
- Keys (house, car, safety deposit box)
- Children's important items
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:How can I hide money safely before leaving an abusive relationship?
A:Open a bank account at a different institution, using a different address (shelter, friend, PO box). Choose paperless statements only with a new email. Save cash in a safe location outside the home. Ask trusted family to hold funds temporarily. Small regular withdrawals are less noticeable. Consider prepaid cards for emergency use.
Q:What financial documents should I take when leaving?
A:Priority documents: ID (passport, driver's license, health card), banking information, tax returns, pay stubs, property documents, vehicle registration, insurance policies, children's documents (birth certificates, SIN cards). Take originals or make copies and store safely. A safety deposit box at a bank your partner doesn't use can store copies.
Q:What emergency financial help is available in Ontario?
A:Resources include: Ontario Works emergency assistance, women's shelters with emergency funds, Salvation Army emergency financial assistance, community organization grants, United Way 211 referrals, Victim Services emergency funds, and some banks' emergency account programs. Shelters can help navigate available resources.
Question: How can I hide money safely before leaving an abusive relationship?
Answer: Open a bank account at a different institution, using a different address (shelter, friend, PO box). Choose paperless statements only with a new email. Save cash in a safe location outside the home. Ask trusted family to hold funds temporarily. Small regular withdrawals are less noticeable. Consider prepaid cards for emergency use.
Question: What financial documents should I take when leaving?
Answer: Priority documents: ID (passport, driver's license, health card), banking information, tax returns, pay stubs, property documents, vehicle registration, insurance policies, children's documents (birth certificates, SIN cards). Take originals or make copies and store safely. A safety deposit box at a bank your partner doesn't use can store copies.
Question: What emergency financial help is available in Ontario?
Answer: Resources include: Ontario Works emergency assistance, women's shelters with emergency funds, Salvation Army emergency financial assistance, community organization grants, United Way 211 referrals, Victim Services emergency funds, and some banks' emergency account programs. Shelters can help navigate available resources.
After Leaving: Securing Your Finances
Immediate Post-Separation Steps
- Change all passwords: Bank accounts, email, social media
- Set up new banking: Ensure no access for abuser
- Redirect mail: To a safe address
- Alert creditors: About potential identity theft
- Check credit reports: Look for unknown accounts
- Close joint accounts: When safe and legal to do so
Protect Against Identity Theft
- Place fraud alerts with Equifax and TransUnion
- Monitor credit reports regularly
- Watch for accounts opened in your name
- Report identity theft to police if discovered
- Dispute fraudulent accounts with creditors
Legal Protections
Emergency Court Orders
- Restraining orders: Can prevent abuser from accessing shared assets
- Exclusive possession: Of matrimonial home
- Emergency custody: For children's safety
- Interim support: Emergency financial support orders
Family Law Rights
- You're entitled to half of marriage property regardless of whose name it's in
- Courts consider domestic violence in support and custody decisions
- Financial abuse can be documented and presented to court
- Dissipation of assets (running up debt, hiding money) can be addressed
Working with Professionals
Domestic Violence Advocates
Advocates at shelters and organizations can:
- Help create safety plans
- Navigate financial assistance applications
- Accompany you to appointments
- Connect you with lawyers and other services
- Provide ongoing support throughout the process
Financial Professionals
Once safe, financial advisors can help with:
- Understanding your full financial picture
- Divorce financial planning
- Rebuilding credit
- Long-term financial independence
Confidential Support Available
If you're experiencing domestic violence, you deserve safety and support. Our team understands the financial complexities of leaving an abusive relationship and can provide confidential guidance. We can meet at safe locations, connect you with resources, and help you plan for financial independence.
For immediate help: Assaulted Women's Helpline 1-866-863-0511 (24/7)
For financial planning support: Contact us confidentially.
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