In Alberta and across Canada, many women face financial abuse. This can include being denied access to bank accounts, having your paycheque taken, being prevented from working, or being forced into debt.
Or it may be more subtle: you’re told (or it’s implied) you’re bad with money, guilted into handing over your earnings “for the good of the family,” or denied a meaningful say in financial matters.
Whatever form it takes, financial abuse is serious. And you deserve better.
Whether you’re still in an abusive relationship or trying to rebuild your life after leaving, this article offers practical advice. It will help you understand and recognize financial abuse, learn money skills, earn and save money, protect and build your credit, and find support.
Don’t try to do everything at once. Even small steps can make a big difference. You are not alone. And you are not powerless.
Understanding financial abuse
Financial abuse happens when someone uses money to manipulate or control you. It’s about power, not finances.
This abuse can take many forms:
- Controlling all the money in the household
- Denying you access to your own bank account or information
- Forbidding you to work or sabotaging your job
- Preventing you from seeking a better job or job training
- Giving you an allowance, even if you earn your own income
- Putting bills, loans, or credit cards in your name without your consent
- Forcing you to account for every cent you spend
- Dictating how you can spend your own money
- Damaging your credit on purpose
- Stealing from you or hiding assets during separation
According to Statistics Canada, financial abuse happens in most domestic violence situations. The Canadian Centre for Women’s Empowerment says 96% of women who have lived with domestic abuse have also faced financial abuse.
Financial abuse is usually part of a larger pattern of emotional, psychological, physical, or sexual abuse. Different types of abuse often work together to exert varying degrees of control:
- Complete lack of input into financial affairs can make you feel trapped in a relationship.
- Threatening statements like “I don’t owe you anything” can suggest your choices are to stay or become homeless.
- Even persuading you to believe you are incapable of living independently can keep you from leaving.
This isn’t your fault. You do have choices. You can get help. Alberta has confidential programs that offer both emergency and long-term support. These can help you move toward safety and independence. For example:
- Alberta’s family violence supports portal can connect you to help, no matter where you live.
- DomesticShelters.org is a searchable directory of shelters and services across 31 Alberta cities.
- Alberta Supports has a 24/7 help line and offers financial support for people fleeing abuse.
Building financial awareness
You don’t have to be a financial expert to take control of your money. You just need to know where to begin. Start with these questions:
- What income do I have? (Think pay, benefits, and support payments. If you are unemployed, your abuser must legally pay support if you leave.)
- What are my regular expenses? (Consider rent, groceries, transportation, childcare, heat, and phone.)
- What expenses do I have from time to time? (This could include clothing, school supplies, or emergencies.)
Track your income and spending over a few weeks. Use a notebook, spreadsheet, or budgeting app—whatever you can manage. Some free tools include:
- Credit Karma, an app that helps you track spending and set budgets
- YNAB (You Need a Budget), an app that helps you plan ahead and save
- Paper and pencil, which is still a powerful tool, especially if you’re worried about digital privacy
Budgeting is not about having less money for yourself. It’s about understanding what money you have and then making smart choices about where to spend it.
Alberta offers free financial education programs for women. These can help you gain confidence, build skills, and get advice on how to move forward:
- Money Mentors Alberta delivers financial and credit counselling workshops online and in person across the province.
- Momentum Calgary offers financial literacy coaching and workshops for women, in person and online.
- CPA Canada’s Financial Literacy Program includes Alberta-based sessions focused on women, low-income earners, and abuse survivors.
Creating a safety-first financial plan
If you’re still in an abusive relationship, perhaps planning to leave, put your safety first. Financial planning in this situation isn’t just about money. It’s about preparing to free yourself from the abuse while protecting yourself and your children. If your partner controls the household finances, be extra cautious. Use a friend’s device, go to the library, or work with a counsellor to create a plan. If you share a device with your partner, clear your browser history and avoid storing sensitive information on that device.
Here’s how to start your plan:
1. Begin saving, quietly and safely
Even if it’s just a few dollars a week, start setting aside money your partner can’t get to.
- Hide small amounts of cash in a safe place.
- Give cash to a trusted friend or family member.
- Buy prepaid credit cards and store them somewhere other than your home.
- Open a separate bank account (see below) if you can do it safely.
This becomes your “escape fund.” It is your money for a taxi, hotel, food, or anything urgent you need when you decide to leave.
2. Gather key documents
Make digital or paper copies of:
- Your government-issued ID
- Your and your children’s health cards
- Your social insurance number
- Immigration papers
- Banking and financial records
- Lease agreements or mortgage documents
- Your children’s birth certificates and school records
Store these somewhere secure. It could be at work, in a safety deposit box, or with someone you trust. Or use cloud storage with password protection.
Know where to turn for emergency help
Some organizations provide one-time financial help or help with housing, transportation, and basic needs:
- Alberta Supports can help with emergency income, rent, and other benefits.
- The YWCA Canada National Emergency Survivor Support Fund offers emergency financial support for women fleeing abuse.
- Alberta Council of Women’s Shelters can connect you with a shelter near you. Call 1-866-331-3933.
Banking and credit basics
One of the most powerful steps toward independence is opening your own bank account. But do it safely and thoughtfully.
Choose the right bank to help protect your privacy
Not all banks or credit unions are equally equipped to support people escaping abuse. Some offer services that make it easier to manage your money privately and securely. Look for a financial institution that:
- Your partner doesn’t use. This helps prevent them from discovering your account.
- Offers online or app-based banking. This allows you to check your balance, pay bills, and move money privately using your own device.
- Provides e-statements and paperless billing. This lowers the risk of someone in your house seeing your private mail.
- Trains staff in abuse-related safety concerns. Some banks and credit unions have employees who understand your extra need for confidentiality. They can help you set up your account discreetly and securely.
In Alberta, credit unions can be a good option. Many are locally based and offer personal service. You might try:
- Servus Credit Union and Vision Credit Union, which are Alberta-based and community-oriented
- ATB Financial, which offers personal banking with staff trained in helping people in situations like yours.
Once you have an account, use an email address and password your partner doesn’t know. Think about setting up 2-factor authentication for extra protection.
Next, learn about credit
Your credit score affects your ability to rent housing, get loans, or even get some jobs. Abusers sometimes ruin people’s credit on purpose, taking out loans or credit cards in their name, or missing payments that damage their credit score. Check your credit rating for free in Canada at Equifax Canada or TransUnion Canada.
If your credit has been affected, don’t panic. You can rebuild it over time. Start with small steps like paying a bill on time or using a secured credit card. (This is a credit card that requires you to make a refundable deposit, and helps you build credit when you pay your balance each month.)
Need help? Talk to the Credit Counselling Society. They provide free credit and debt help for people in crisis, including women fleeing abuse. Momentum Calgary and Money Mentors offer free credit coaching in Alberta.
Income and employment strategies
Being financially independent usually means having your own income. That’s not always easy, especially if your partner has prevented you from working, taken your pay, or made you doubt your skills.
But there are ways to earn, even when your situation is challenging. Discreet work you can start right away can include:
- Child or elder care for neighbours
- Remote freelance work, like data entry, writing, editing, or design
- “Gig economy” work (if it’s safe for you), such as delivery apps, cleaning, or pet care
- Selling handmade crafts or second-hand goods online
- Working part time through a temp agency
If you’re ready to start job searching, look for programs that help women re-enter the workforce. Many Alberta organizations can help with your resumé, provide training and career counselling, and support you with childcare and transportation.
Start by visiting or calling your local Alberta Supports Centre, and search Alberta’s Employment Services Directory for nearby services. If you’re unsure where to begin, call 211 Alberta for immediate local referrals. Many libraries also provide free resumé help, in person or online.
Other options include:
- Women Building Futures offers pre-trades and industry training for women, with wraparound supports.
- YWCA Edmonton provides employment services, life skills, and job-readiness programs for women.
- NorQuest College offers foundational education, English-language training, and career prep programs with flexible scheduling.
Even if you’re not ready to apply for a job, building your resumé and upgrading your skills is a powerful way to prepare.
Legal and community resources
Understanding your financial rights is key, especially when you’re leaving a shared household or facing separation. You may have a legal right to:
- Access joint bank accounts
- Seek child or spousal support
- Claim a share of household assets
- Claim a share of your partner’s pension
- Dispute debt that was taken on without your knowledge or consent
Don’t rely on your partner to tell you what you’re entitled to. Connect with a legal advocate, women’s shelter, or family law service to get accurate information. Many Alberta shelters and women’s centres partner with legal aid clinics or offer services that help you understand and use the legal system. Here are a few resources in Alberta:
- Legal Aid Alberta offers low-cost legal help for family law, abuse, and custody issues.
- Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter provides legal advocacy and financial planning support.
- Edmonton Community Legal Centre offers free legal information and support.
Taking back control
You don’t have to do everything today. Just reading this article is a step toward regaining control over your life and future.
Financial abuse is real. It’s powerful. But so are you. You deserve freedom, safety, and the chance to build a future where you make your own decisions, in your own time.
Always remember there is support. You’re not alone.