Economic violence is one of the least recognized forms of abuse—yet it affects millions of women every day. It happens when someone controls your access to money, limits your ability to work, or makes you financially dependent on them. It may not leave visible marks, but it can quietly erode your freedom, your choices, and your sense of security. In fact, across the European Union, more than 1 in 5 women report experiencing this form of control within a relationship.
Because it often develops gradually, economic abuse can be difficult to recognize. It may appear as concern, protection, or shared decision-making—but over time, it restricts independence and creates dependence. Many victims find themselves questioning their own judgment, unaware that what they are experiencing is a form of violence.
This leaflet, developed by the Museum of Saving in collaboration with FLITIN – FINANCIAL LITERACY INTERNATIONAL NETWORK, a network of ambassadors of the Intesa Sanpaolo Group with the aim of spreading financial education in different countries, shares real stories to bring visibility to economic abuse — helping women recognize the signs, understand its impact, and take the first steps toward reclaiming control.
Download the leaflet “Economic Violence: the hidden face of gender-based abuse”