Family Violence & Financial Abuse

Your safety matters to us

If you’re in immediate danger or feel unsafe, please call 000 right away.

For confidential support, 1800RESPECT is available 24/7 on 1800 737 732 or by text on 0458 737 732. They provide free, independent counselling and can arrange interpreters if needed.

If you’re worried about family violence or need extra help, you can also contact No to Violence on 1300 766 491 or visit the No to Violence website for advice and support.

You’re not alone — help is here when you need it.

We are committed to supporting our members who may be affected by family violence, including financial abuse. These situations can be complex and deeply distressing, and we aim to provide safe, respectful, and flexible support tailored to each individual’s needs.

What is family violence?

Family violence refers to any behaviour that is violent, threatening, or intended to control or instil fear in a family member. It can take many forms, including:

  • Physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual abuse
  • Coercive control
  • Financial abuse
  • Abuse of parents, children, or elders.

Family violence can deeply affect a person’s safety, wellbeing, and independence. Sadly, it can continue or even worsen after a relationship ends.

Understanding financial abuse

Financial abuse is when someone uses money or financial control to take away another person’s freedom. It can look like:

  • Restricting access to money or financial accounts
  • Forcing someone into debt or making financial decisions without their consent
  • Withholding child support
  • Opening accounts or applying for financial products in someone else’s name
  • Using joint assets or debts to prevent someone from leaving a relationship.

Financial abuse can leave victim-survivors feeling trapped and make rebuilding independence even harder, especially after separation.

Recognising the signs

We encourage members and those close to them to be aware of potential warning signs, such as:

  • Difficulty contacting the member or frequent changes in contact details
  • Signs of fear, distress, or anxiety
  • Another person dominating conversations or decisions
  • Lack of awareness about financial products in their name
  • Concerns about safety, privacy, or financial security
  • Disclosures of court or intervention orders
  • Unusual banking activity or abusive transaction descriptions.

How we support members

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence, we’re here to help. Our support includes:

  • Safe, flexible, and fair responses
  • Minimising the need to repeat your story by offering dedicated contacts
  • Allowing you to choose the gender of the staff member you speak with, where possible
  • Providing communication in your preferred language using independent interpreters, where possible.

Protecting your safety and privacy

Your safety and confidentiality are our priority. We can, where required:

  • Stop shared communications and set up new accounts with secure contact details
  • Change passwords and access settings to prevent unauthorised access
  • Avoid disclosing personal information to joint account holders
  • Help you contact family violence services or emergency services if needed
  • Notify you promptly of any privacy breaches and offer support.


You’re not alone. If you’re experiencing family violence or financial abuse, please reach out. Visit one of our branches or call us on 131 728 to speak with a team member who can help.