Economic abuse is when the abuser doesn’t pay a woman maintenance out of spite towards her, withholds money to control her or takes her salary away from her. 

Legal remedies in economic abuse cases include:

• Getting a protection order under the Domestic Violence Act for emergency monetary relief, which can include:
  • compensation for loss of earnings
  • medical and dental expenses
  • new accommodation expenses
  • household or family necessities
    (See: Problem 3: Getting a Protection Order)

• Claiming for maintenance under the Maintenance Act.
  (See Problem 4: getting maintenance through the Maintenance Court)

The Maintenance Court process can take some time so if money is needed urgently, it is best to apply for a Protection Order for emergency monetary relief. You must still claim maintenance in the Maintenance Court as well because the Protection Order will only give emergency monetary relief for a temporary time because maintenance is supposed to be dealt with by the Maintenance Court. When the Maintenance Court makes an order, this will replace the part of the Protection Order that gives emergency monetary relief.