The Challenges of Leaving an Abusive Relationship with Catherine Fitzpatrick

Catherine Fitzpatrick is the Founder and Director of Flequity Ventures, an independent consultancy that helps businesses improve outcomes for their customers experiencing vulnerability, delivering social impact at scale.

With more than two decades of experience in diverse roles across ASX-listed companies, the not-for-profit sector, government, and journalism, Catherine has helped to transform bank responses to domestic and financial abuse. As an author, adviser, and advocate, she inspires fresh thinking to stop financial and essential services from being used as weapons of coercive control.

Catherine believes products can be redesigned to disrupt financial abuse and to address gender bias and inequality - helping to close the economic gap for women.

In this episode, Tory and Catherine Fitzpatrick discuss the topic of financial abuse, which is often overlooked or misunderstood, and share personal insights. They explore what financial abuse is, the warning signs, and the impact it has on victims. Catherine shares her personal motivation for advocating for systematic change and disrupting financial abuse. They also discuss the role of banks and institutions in supporting victims and preventing financial abuse.

Key takeaways

• Financial abuse is a form of domestic and family violence where one person controls another through their access to money.
• Warning signs of financial abuse include limited access to money, being given an allowance, or having to perform certain tasks to receive money.
• It can be difficult for victims to recognize financial abuse, but friends, family, and colleagues may notice changes in behavior or financial patterns.
• Seeking help is crucial for victims of financial abuse, and there are organizations like 1800RESPECT that provide support and guidance.
• Banks and institutions can help prevent financial abuse by offering safe products and services and providing support to victims.
• It can take multiple attempts for victims to leave abusive relationships, and support from friends, family, and professionals is essential.
• Raising awareness and taking action can contribute to ending financial abuse and supporting victims in their journey to safety and empowerment.

Connect with Catherine: www.flequity.au

Connect with Tory: powerful-steps.com

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