Leaving an abusive relationship is often described as a fresh start, but for many survivors, the financial damage continues long after they reach safety. One of the most overlooked forms of economic abuse is coerced debt, where an abusive partner forces, manipulates, or deceives someone into taking on financial obligations against their best interests. Financial abuse occurs in nearly all domestic violence cases, making it one of the strongest barriers to long-term independence. Understanding how coerced debt lingers can help survivors recognize the problem sooner and take practical steps toward rebuilding their financial future.
