Financial abuse: How coerced debt is leaving women over-indebted

Debt experts are warning about coerced debt and other forms of financial abuse, where women are pressured into taking on loans, credit or financial liabilities for partners

Financial abuse in relationships is leaving some South African women heavily over-indebted, with debt experts warning that emotional manipulation can make it difficult for victims to recognise they are being exploited.

Known as coerced debt, the practice is categorised as economic abuse under South Africa’s Domestic Violence Amendment Act 14 of 2021.

It can involve partners using emotional leverage, love bombing or promises of shared investments to persuade women to take on significant financial liabilities in their own names.

Sebastien Alexanderson, head of National Debt Advisors, said the consequences can be severe.