Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Recognizing Financial Abuse and Reclaiming Financial Independence
Join our weekly #CreditChat, launched in 2012 to help consumers build their knowledge of credit and personal finance. Each week, we explore important financial topics, including saving money, managing debt, building and maintaining healthy credit, and improving overall financial well-being. Hosted by @Experian on X (formerly Twitter), #CreditChat is open to everyone. Have a question? Feel free to send us a DM.
This week’s #CreditChat recognizes Domestic Violence Awareness Month with an important conversation about financial abuse, financial independence, and financial empowerment.
Financial abuse can limit a person’s ability to access money, use or build credit, save for the future, and make independent financial decisions. During this discussion, we’ll explore how to recognize financial abuse, understand its potential impact on credit and financial well-being, identify resources and protections that may be available, and discuss steps that can help survivors rebuild financial independence and move toward greater financial security.
Content note: This #CreditChat discusses domestic violence and financial abuse, including how financial abuse can affect credit, identity, and financial independence. Some topics may be difficult or triggering.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or texting “START” to 88788 for free, confidential support available 24/7.
Topic: Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Recognizing Financial Abuse and Reclaiming Financial Independence
When: Wednesday, October 7, 2026
Where: Join the live hashtag discussion
Meet the #CreditChat Panel
The panel will include: Ashley Quamme, LMFT, FBS®, CFT™: Financial Behavior Specialist and Founder of Beyond the Plan®; Kim Pentico: Senior Director of the Economic Justice Program at the National Network to End Domestic Violence; Nia Adams: Speaker, Real Estate Investor, Author and Founder of PerspectivesChange.com; Adriana Ocanas: Consumer Credit Cards Analyst for U.S. News & World Report; Lyndsey Dearlove: Global Director of Operations at NoMore.org; Leslie H. Tayne, Esq: Founder and Managing Director of Tayne Law Group, P.C. (f/k/a The Law Offices of Leslie H. Tayne, P.C.); Rachel Myers: Senior Digital Services Specialist for DomesticShelters.org a program of Alliance for Hope International; Jennifer White: Consumer Education and Advocacy Team, and Christina Roman: Sr. Consumer Education and Advocacy Manager at Experian.
#CreditChat questions:
- What is financial abuse, and what are some common ways it can show up in a relationship?
- What are some warning signs that someone may be experiencing financial control or abuse?
- How can financial abuse affect a survivor’s credit, finances, and long-term financial well-being?
- If someone is experiencing financial abuse, what financial accounts, credit information or documents may be important to review when it is safe to do so?
- If financial abuse has damaged someone’s credit, what steps can help them begin rebuilding their credit and financial independence?
- What security measures, such as credit freezes or fraud alerts, can help protect personal financial information during separation?
- What resources or types of support are available to people experiencing financial abuse?
- How can friends, family and advocates support survivors of financial abuse while respecting their safety, privacy and financial independence?
- What does financial empowerment look like for someone rebuilding their financial life after financial abuse?
- What is one thing you wish more people understood about financial abuse and financial independence?
Want to join more conversations about credit, money management, and financial well-being? Explore our complete list of upcoming personal finance Twitter chats here.