Exposing Financial Abuse: When Money Is a Weapon (Healing from Hidden Abuse)

After Shannon's industry-changing first book, Healing from Hidden Abuse, I was so excited to read her second one. It did not disappoint! Although the topic is challenging and (at times) upsetting, the author manages to convey the content in a way that feels down-to-earth and safe.The book begins by outlining some of the major red flags and tactics behind financial abuse. By keeping the victim from being financially independent, the perpetrator is able to force others to remain dependent on them. But like subtle abuse, this behavior is not always so obvious. It can be insidious, confusing, and downright mind-boggling. The abuser may project their own behavior onto the target, blaming them for the financial predicament that the abuser caused.In one instance, the abuser even withheld money from the victim receiving medical help and prescriptions. And on the other side, there are partners who secretly build up debt in their partner's name, burying families in seemingly insurmountable problems.But my favorite part of this book is that it also offers solutions. While many books about abuse simply suggest "just leave and go No Contact", this is not feasible advice when it comes to financial abuse. Often times, the abuser has a literal hold over the target's entire financial independence. So Shannon offers many creative approaches to managing these impossible situations safely. She also offers an entire section on protection, so this book can help anyone, even people who have not yet experienced financial manipulation.Thank you to Shannon and all of the people who shared their stories in this great book!

If you're clueless about financial abuse, this is a good, basic overview. It's not anything you can't find on the internet however, and is therefore disappointing. The author relies too much on her subject's stories, often contributing only a paragraph or two of shallow commentary. I was hoping for depth and specific analysis of the various types of financial abuse. I wanted to learn more about the methods and psychology behind the different types. In my case, for instance, my abuser insisted that I get a job even though he refused to do the majority of the domestic work and child care. We lived according to his career opportunities and work schedule - which he refused to share with me - and under his financial supervision. He never budgeted for holidays, birthdays, vacations, home maintenance, clothing, or even groceries. He blamed me for overspending and getting us into debt. Then he said I was irresponsible for not getting a minimum-wage job. I want to know more about this kind of abuse towards stay at home moms whose husbands discount their contributions and instead see their wives as worthless freeloaders.

As a mental health therapist in private practice and a person who has had many emotionally abusive relationships (familial, work, romantic, friends), I found this book to be very very useful on many levels. Also, the book is very timely for myself professionally (clients coming in with similar issues) and personally (just realized fairly recently what the truth of my life has been with specific people). Thank you Shannon for writing such a useful book! One thing though I did find as a problem. I ordered a paperback book and the fonts are huge! I am not sure if it was the printing of this particular book I bought or if it is consistent with all of the print versions of this book, but I think you should know it really makes it feel a bit unprofessionaly done. I think you might want to speak with your editor and publisher about correcting this for future printings. It makes it look like it was self published. That is my only complaint. The book is wonderful and so needed! Thank you, Amy Phillips, EdD, LCPC

If what you need is to hear about other victims' stories so you know you're not the only one then this book is for you. It is a collection of victims stories, a "chicken soup for the soul" without anything uplifting. It was a real downer.But there is little professional advice about what to do or resources that will help you recover financially or emotionally. Very disappointing.

A surprising collection of very valuable insights showing what financial abuse does to a person's logical thinking. A person can be living in fantasy land, not realize it, and not know how to take care of themselves. And not know why nothing works for them. Easy to read and understand. Great to have these things written down to see.

Shannon Thomas does an incredible job explaining what goes on behind the scenes and how so many people get away with devastating others financially. All judges, attorneys and therapists should be required to read this!!!

The truth has been told in this book.

Great resource to educate anyone interested in learning more about financial abuse, whether current victims, survivors, or anyone willing to understand the depths of the effects this kind of abuse reaches.