A distressing case has emerged from Dublin’s emergency domestic violence court, where a disabled woman has alleged that her husband denied her access to money for food, leaving her to go without eating for four days. The woman, who is totally dependent on her husband due to her disability, has since been granted a protection order against him.

Disabled Woman Allegations of Abuse and Financial Control

The woman, a mother of two adult children, told the court that she and her husband are currently living in emergency accommodation. Due to her disability, she is unable to work and is financially reliant on her husband. She accused him of physical and financial abuse, including punching, slapping, and spitting in her face.

Her testimony detailed how her husband refused to give her money for food and basic living expenses. On one occasion, after she had gone without food for four days, she said she took money from his wallet to buy food. In response, her husband allegedly became furious and assaulted her.

Despite the physical attack, he eventually gave her money but later cut off financial support again. When she appealed to him for assistance, he allegedly offered her just €50 to cover two weeks of food and living expenses. When she protested that it was not enough, he refused to give her any money at all.

The Court’s Response

Recognising the seriousness of the allegations, the court issued a protection order to the woman, which legally restricts her husband from using threats, violence, or coercion against her.

The case highlights a growing concern about financial abuse in domestic relationships, particularly in cases where one partner is physically dependent on the other due to health conditions or disabilities.

Understanding Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is a less discussed but extremely damaging form of domestic abuse. It occurs when one person controls access to financial resources, limiting their partner’s ability to be independent or make basic life decisions. Some common forms of financial abuse include:

• Withholding money needed for food, rent, or medical expenses.
• Controlling access to bank accounts or social welfare payments.
• Preventing the victim from working or earning an income.
• Forcing the victim into debt by taking loans in their name.

For people with disabilities, financial abuse can be especially devastating, as they often require special medical care, accessibility accommodations, and daily support that cannot be covered without financial security.

Legal Protections for Victims in Ireland

Ireland has strong laws against domestic violence, and financial abuse is recognised as a form of coercive control. Victims of abuse can seek protection through the courts by applying for:

1. Protection Orders – Temporary legal restrictions placed on an abusive partner, prohibiting them from threatening or harming the victim.
2. Interim Barring Orders – Orders that force the abusive partner to leave the shared home while further legal proceedings take place.
3. Safety Orders – Long-term legal orders preventing a partner from harassing or intimidating the victim.

In this case, the woman’s protection order ensures that her husband can no longer threaten, abuse, or exert financial control over her.

The Role of Emergency Accommodation in Domestic Abuse Cases

Emergency accommodation is often a last resort for victims of domestic violence, particularly for those who lack financial independence. However, this case highlights the challenges faced by women in such situations, as some remain vulnerable to continued abuse even in temporary housing.

Many victims of domestic abuse remain trapped in toxic relationships because they fear they will have nowhere to go or no financial means to survive if they leave their partner. This underscores the urgent need for increased government support, financial aid, and accessible housing for victims of abuse.

The Hidden Epidemic of Domestic Financial Abuse

While physical abuse is widely recognised, financial abuse remains an underreported crime. Victims often do not realise they are being abused until their freedom and independence are completely stripped away.

Warning signs of financial abuse include:

• A partner controlling all money and financial decisions.
• Being denied access to cash, bank accounts, or personal earnings.
• Having to beg for money for essential needs.
• Facing threats or violence when asking for financial support.

How to Seek Help

Victims of financial or domestic abuse in Ireland can seek support through various organisations that provide legal guidance, emergency housing, and financial assistance. Some of the most reliable resources include:

• Women’s Aid (Ireland) – 24-hour national helpline for domestic violence victims (1800 341 900).
• Safe Ireland – Support for victims in need of emergency housing.
• FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) – Free legal support for victims of domestic abuse.
• Gardaí (Irish Police) – Immediate assistance and protection under Irish domestic violence laws.

Final Thoughts

This case serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of financial abuse and the urgent need to support vulnerable individuals, particularly those who are disabled, elderly, or otherwise dependent on a partner.

Financial abuse can be as damaging as physical violence, stripping victims of their basic human rights and independence. As society becomes more aware of these hidden forms of abuse, it is crucial to strengthen protections, raise awareness, and ensure no one is left without the means to survive.

This woman’s courage in seeking legal protection will hopefully inspire others to recognise the warning signs of financial abuse and take action before it is too late.

For more stories and insights, visit It’s On

Instagram:@itson.ie

TikTok videos and information:@itson.ie