The stories told by women who have experienced domestic violence – whether financial, verbal, physical or all of the above – will break the heart of anyone with even a small degree of empathy. Financial abuse occurs when one “partner” in a relationship, regardless of gender, takes control of all income and spending, with the other partner given no say. There is nothing wrong about merging paychecks and accounts, and with one person becoming the relationship’s de facto bookkeeper, if both people want that arrangement. Wrong occurs when, for example, one partner pays for basic needs – such as rent, utilities and food – but then takes whatever money remains for personal use, such as alcohol and other drugs, gambling or other vices, including unnecessary shopping or exotic travel. Worse, the money that is supposed to cover necessities might be diverted in part or totally to supporting vices. Taken together, the situation involves financial abuse for the person who lacks a say in the…