The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has cautioned that women and persons with disabilities face a heightened risk of financial abuse during the festive holiday period in South Africa. Financial abuse can take many forms, including restricting access to money, misusing salaries or social grants, forcing individuals into debt under their names, or taking advantage of their financial dependence.
The department noted that perpetrators often escalate these practices during the festive season, trapping victims in debt and limiting their financial freedom. It stressed that economic abuse is legally recognised in South Africa as a form of domestic violence.
The department called on communities to remain alert, stating that financial abuse goes beyond money and is a tool of control and intimidation used to silence women and persons with disabilities. With increased financial pressure during the festive period, the risk of abuse also rises. Families and communities are urged to support and protect the rights of women and persons with disabilities.
According to the department, many women and persons with disabilities are denied access to their own salaries, bonuses, savings and government benefits during this time. Some are also pressured to pay for holiday related expenses while partners or family members misuse household funds.
To address this issue, the department called for stronger community awareness to help identify and report financial abuse. It also urged closer cooperation between government departments, banks and social services to prevent financial exploitation. The protection of social grants and personal income from misuse by partners or family members was emphasised, along with the need to strengthen economic empowerment programmes for women, particularly women with disabilities.
The department reminded South Africans that gender based violence is not only physical and that financial control is a powerful form of oppression. It called on everyone to work together to ensure that women, especially those with disabilities, remain safe, supported and financially independent.
Anyone who suspects financial exploitation is encouraged to report it to the relevant authorities so that women and persons with disabilities can receive the necessary support to protect their dignity and independence.
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