Distance can make support harder to reach for people experiencing financial abuse. At the recent Wujal Wujal Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Day March, The Yarn spoke with Deb Corbett from the Wujal Justice Group and ICAN financial counsellors Zack Wildy and Unaisi Buli about the need for more face-to-face support.
In remote communities, financial abuse often begins in ways that are difficult to recognise.
A bank card goes missing. Money is withdrawn without explanation. Online banking is set up without the person’s knowledge or consent.
For Deb Corbett from the Wujal Justice Group, a frontline worker supporting community members in Far North Queensland, these situations are all too familiar.
“Financial abuse can involve taking someone’s bank card or setting up online banking for a person who does not have the skills to do it themselves,” she says.
“It’s hard to see trust broken, especially when family is involved. Once that happens, regaining control can be incredibly difficult, leaving people trapped in a cycle that is hard to break.”
The risk of harm
Without local banking services, even basic steps to stop abuse or resolve account issues can feel overwhelming. Many people must rely on others to access their own money, increasing their risk of harm.
For older people, this might mean asking a family member to use their bank card to buy groceries, only to later discover more money was taken than expected.
Older people may give their bank card and PIN to a younger relative or acquaintance to withdraw cash or buy groceries. Money can disappear from their account before they realise. Once someone knows the PIN, it becomes easy to keep using the card or to tap and pay without even needing it.
In First Nations communities, cultural obligations to share and support family are deeply valued. But when people face barriers to safe banking, those obligations can be exploited.
“People still feel they should give, but that can make it easy for others to take advantage,” Deb says.
“People want to see you”
Face-to-face support remains essential in remote communities because technology alone is not enough. It can create extra barriers, making it harder for people to get help and easier for financial abuse to continue.
Deb says people in communities are much more likely to seek help when support is offered in person.
“When an outreach service comes to town, and I tell people they can speak to someone face-to-face, they are much more likely to take that step. People want to see you. In-person support is essential for building trust.”
Why long-term funding is essential
For ICAN financial counsellor Zack Wildy, stable, long-term funding is vital to addressing financial abuse.
“With consistent, culturally appropriate funding, service providers can address financial abuse and help break the cycle.”
When services go online
While financial systems have moved online, this shift has not worked for everyone.
“Technology plays a major role in financial abuse, especially for Elders and people in the community who are not confident using digital tools,” ICAN financial counsellor Unaisi Buli explains.
“Without face-to-face services, including from banks, it is very hard for people to protect themselves from exploitation and harm.”
Online banking can also be misused, leaving people who lack the skills or confidence to navigate digital systems particularly vulnerable.
At the same time, the loss of physical banking services removes an important layer of protection.
When a family member sets up online banking on someone’s behalf, they may gain full access to that person’s account and sensitive financial information.
Access to Services
“More face-to-face services and investment in digital and general literacy skills would reduce the risk of harm and keep people financially safe,” said Zack.
“Financial abuse in these communities is deeply connected to access — access to services, support, and information. Without it, people are left to manage financial abuse on their own.”
Outreach isn’t a bonus – it’s essential, and often the only way people can access the support they need.
Get help:
If you need support, free and confidential help is available:
- 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 (National)
- ICAN: 1800 369 878 (Townsville to Torres Strait)
- Wujal Justice Group: https://www.wujaljusticegroup.org/