Financial Vulnerability FAQs
Domestic violence is a complex pattern of behaviours that may include, in addition to physical acts of violence, sexual abuse and emotional abuse.
- Family Violence is a broader term that refers to violence between family members (partners, parent and child, siblings and more).
- Behaviour towards victims can include limiting their access to finances or work, preventing them from contacting family and friends, demeaning and humiliating them, threatening them or their children and acts of physical violence
Domestic and Family violence can happen to anyone, at any time, no matter their gender, age, orientation, location, cultural or religious beliefs, or economic status.
If you’re in danger, please call the police on 000.
To access 24/7 counselling and support you can call 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732 or visit https://www.1800respect.org.au/
If you need an interpreter or translator, you can use the telephone translating and interpreting service (TIS National) on 131 450, specify your required language and ask them to contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
We are committed to supporting our customers who may be experiencing Domestic & Family Violence.
Please contact us so that we can discuss your situation and provide tailored solutions:
- Call us on 13 25 85
- Send us a secure message through Internet Banking
Visit one of our branches.
Financial abuse is a serious issue with far-reaching consequences for individuals, their families and the community. It occurs when someone misuses money, financial resources, property or assets without the owner’s explicit knowledge or express consent. Financial abuse can happen to anyone, but some people may be at greater risk, including older Australians, people with a disability, people with a mental illness or experiencing emotional challenges, and people who are socially isolated. However, it can also happen to people who are in good health – sometimes a person does not even realise they are being financially abused. Financial abuse can take many forms and it usually consists of a number of actions over a period of time, rather than a single event.
Elder Financial Abuse
Elder financial abuse is a specific form of exploitation and may also involve emotional abuse.
There are many forms of elder financial abuse, but there is a common thread. In general, it is an effort by dishonest person/s to extract money and resources through a variety of means from elderly persons, such as:
- deceit
- forgery
- coercion through bullying and intimidation
- undue influence for personal gain
- misuse of a person's Power of Attorney or Guardianship instructions
In general, all involve improper use of an older person’s assets.
Disability
Financial abuse of a disabled person is any act involving the misuse of the person’s money or property. This is done without their full knowledge, consent or understanding.
This can be against an individual with a physical and/or mental disability. It deprives them of critical financial resources for their personal needs.
Domestic
Domestic financial abuse may occur when a person uses money to gain power and control over their partner.
This type of abuse is when a victim is trapped in an abusive relationship with a person who:
- forbids access to bank accounts,
- provides an inadequate allowance,
- not allowing the victim to work,
- forcing the victim to sign documents or make false declarations,
- denying that the victim has an entitlement to joint property.
This is not an exhaustive list.
This type of financial abuse can be subtle. A person gradually takes control over bank accounts and financial transactions. Domestic financial abuse can also be obvious, violent and threatening.
It may not be until after a relationship has ended that the customer realises that they are a victim of financial abuse.
We are committed to supporting our customers who may be experiencing Financial Abuse.
Please contact us so that we can discuss your situation and provide tailored solutions:
- Call us on 13 25 85
- Send us a secure message through Internet Banking
Visit one of our branches
If you’re in danger, please call the police on 000.
To access 24/7 counselling and support you can call 1800 Respect on 1800 737 732 or visit https://www.1800respect.org.au/
If you need an interpreter or translator, you can use the telephone translating and interpreting service (TIS National) on 131 450, specify your required language and ask them to contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Victim support for elder abuse, you can visit Compass:
1800 ELDERHelp
tel: 1800 353 374
Note: This number directs you to the phone line in your state or territory.
For state and territory elder abuse victim resource centre:
1800 200 422
Financial Difficulty mean that your circumstances may have changed, and you’re finding it hard to pay your debts on time. This could indicate that you are experiencing financial difficulty or hardship.
Financial difficulty can arise from events such as:
- unemployment
- serious illness or injury
- family and domestic violence
- the loss of a loved one
- natural disasters
- a relationship breakdown
This list is not exhaustive.
The National Debt Helpline is a not-for-profit service that helps people tackle their debt problems. They are not a lender and they don’t ‘sell’ anything or make money from you. Their professional financial councellors offer a free, independent and confidential service.
PH.1800 007 007
Credit Smart
Information in relation to financial hardship arrangements and the impact on your credit report.
https://www.creditsmart.org.au/
SmartMoney
Helps you take control of your money with free tools, tips and guidance to increase their financial wellbeing.
Beyond Bank is committed to assisting our customers experiencing financial difficulty. Our dedicated Credit team are available and may be able to assist further by seeking to work with you to explore various options and tailor assistance based on your individual circumstance.
- Call us on 13 25 85
- Send us a secure message through Internet Banking
- Visit one of our branches.
Credit Control 08 7201 2403