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Escaping Economic Abuse: Financial Independence and Safety

Asked by Sadia, Gujranwala · 31 May 2026 at 12:44 am PKT

Economic abuse is a pervasive form of domestic violence where one partner controls all finances, leaving the other feeling trapped and helpless. This page explores how to identify economic abuse and outlines steps you can take towards financial independence and safety.

I have no income of my own and my husband controls every rupee in the house. Whenever I even think about leaving, everyone reminds me I could not feed myself. I feel trapped and very low.

It sounds incredibly difficult to be in a situation where you have no income of your own and feel completely dependent on someone else, especially when your husband controls every rupee. Your feelings of being trapped and very low are completely understandable. This kind of financial control is a serious matter, and it's absolutely not something you deserve. It's important to remember that this situation is not your fault, and it's not normal or healthy for one person to have such complete power over another's ability to support themselves.

The fear of not being able to feed yourself is a very real and heavy burden, and it's often used to make people feel stuck. Even when it feels impossible, there are often pathways to gradually regain a sense of control and explore options for your future, even if those steps are small and need to be taken very carefully. Thinking about what you would need, even if it's just in your own mind, can be a first step towards imagining a different path for yourself.

Remember, you don't have to carry this burden alone. It can be incredibly helpful and empowering to talk about what you're going through with someone you can trust, in complete confidence. There are people who understand these challenges and can help you think through possibilities and find support, without judgment. Zara is here to listen and help you explore your feelings and options at your own pace.

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Answered by the Depression.pk team
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