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‘Economic Abuse' keeps domestic violence victims from leaving, victims say

Advocates and victims of domestic violence are speaking out against ‘economic abuse,’ a tactic they say is used by abusers to gain control of their victims and keep them from leaving.

Malorie Ison, a survivor of domestic violence, says her relationship with her husband fell apart after about 13 years of marriage.

“It seemed like the harder I tried to make things better the worse it got,” said Ison.

She tells Action News Jax she was abused verbally, physically, mentally and economically. Ison tells us her husband was taking money from her account.

“I went to go get gas one day and my card declined,” said Ison. “And I had $10,000 in the bank the last time I checked.”

She tells us at one point in the relationship, all of her cash had been withdrawn, and she was entangled in debt as a result of her relationship with her alleged abuser.

Hubbard House CEO Dr. Gail A. Patin tells Action News Jax in a partial statement “Economic abuse is one of the lesser understood dynamics of domestic violence…”

In the month of January, deemed Financial Wellness Month the nonprofit is speaking out against what it calls a common form of control by abusers.

They tell Action News Jax examples include abusers stealing money, restricting financial resources, coercing debt or interfering with a partner’s ability to work.

Ison put the effects of the financial, or economic, abuse into her own words.

“Lost, helpless, completely broken and alone,” she said.

Ison tells us she was able to get back on her feet, and she credits the assistance of the Hubbard House.

She says the nonprofit provided economic resources and counseling, allowing her to find a new sense of normalcy.

“I lost everything,” said Ison. “But I gained myself through this.”

The Hubbard House tells Action News Jax they offer victims shelter and outreach centers, economic resources, employment assistance and support groups.

Anyone suffering from similar circumstances, in need of someone to talk to or a safe place to go, is encouraged to contact Hubbard House 24-hour domestic violence hotline at 904-354-3114.

Victims in need of immediate emergency services are encouraged to call 911.