COLUMBUS, Ohio — Domestic violence and abuse doesn’t always begin with hitting or yelling. Oftentimes it starts with smaller, controlling actions such as how a partner spends money.

According to the National Network to End Domestic Violence, financial abuse occurs in 99% of domestic violence cases.

“It is a primary way for people who cause harm to control and create dependency on someone else,” said Sharisse Kimbro, program officer for relationship abuse at the Allstate Foundation. “If you don't have access to resources, you're not going to be able to leave an unsafe situation. In fact, survivors say they only have a median of $175.50 that they can access on their own without an abusive partner's interference.”

Financial abuse can present as manipulation, such as, “ I know you’re under

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