Identifying Economic Abuse
Name economic abuse with confidence, tell it apart from ordinary money problems, and recognise it in real life: in your own life or in someone you support.
What you learn
Define economic abuse
Explain what it is, how it differs from money problems, and how it links to coercive control.
Know the tactics
Name the three main patterns and the tactics in each, including digital and post-separation abuse.
Spot the warning signs
Notice early red flags in everyday money arrangements, and see how abuse can grow over time.
Understand the impact
See why economic abuse traps people, who is most at risk, and why common myths are wrong.
How it works
- Work through each lesson at your own pace: video, slides, key terms and an activity.
- Pass the short lesson quiz (70%, unlimited retakes) to open the next lesson.
- Try the exercises. Uploading your work is optional; your reflections stay private.
- Pass the final module quiz to complete the module.
- Your certificate and badge arrive automatically. Finish all four modules for the FIRE certificate.
Module 1 badge
Module 1 certificate
Before you start: the money confidence check
A few minutes to see where you are today. Take it again at the end of Module 4 to see how far you have come.
Start the check →Where to get help
- 1522 Anti-violence and stalking helpline☎ 1522free · 24/7
Free, 24/7, also from mobiles. Help in Italian, English, French, Spanish, Arabic, German. Also by chat and app.
Website ↗ · Source: www.pariopportunita.gov.it · Checked 2026-10-13
- D.i.Re – national network of anti-violence centresfree
118 anti-violence centres and more than 60 shelters, run by 89 women's organisations. Find the nearest by region. Usually free.
Website ↗ · Source: www.direcontrolaviolenza.it · Checked 2026-10-13
- Reddito di Libertà (freedom income)
State support for women leaving violence: up to €530 a month, 12 months. Apply via your town hall (Comune).
Website ↗ · Source: www.inps.it · Checked 2026-10-13
- State-paid legal aid (patrocinio a spese dello Stato)free
A lawyer paid by the State. Victims of family maltreatment, stalking or sexual violence can get one even above the usual income limit.
Website ↗ · Source: www.normattiva.it · Checked 2026-10-13
- Telefono Amico Italia☎ 02 2327 232724/7
Volunteers listen when you feel alone or upset, every day, 24 hours. The service is free; you pay a normal call. WhatsApp 18–21.
Website ↗ · Source: www.telefonoamico.it · Checked 2026-10-13
- Violence against Women Support Hotline (Hilfetelefon)☎ 116 016free · 24/7
Free, anonymous, 24/7. Interpreters in many languages and sign language. Chat (daily 12–20) and email in German.
Website ↗ · Source: www.hilfetelefon.de · Checked 2026-10-13
- Opfer-Telefon (WEISSER RING) – victims of crime helpline☎ 116 006free
Free and anonymous help for victims of any crime. Every day 7:00–22:00.
Website ↗ · Source: weisser-ring.de · Checked 2026-10-13
- Women's shelter search (Frauenhaus-Suche)
Nationwide map of women's shelters and safe flats, showing if they can take you now. Call the shelter to ask. In danger, call 110.
Website ↗ · Source: www.frauenhaus-suche.de · Checked 2026-10-13
- Women's counselling centres (bff)free
About 200 local counselling centres for women affected by violence. Free and anonymous, in person or by phone.
Website ↗ · Source: www.bmbfsfj.bund.de · Checked 2026-10-13
- TelefonSeelsorge (crisis line)☎ 0800 111 0 111free · 24/7
Free, anonymous, 24/7 when you are in crisis. Also 0800 111 0 222 or 116 123, and chat or mail. In German.
Website ↗ · Source: www.telefonseelsorge.de · Checked 2026-10-13
- Recognised debt advice (Schuldnerberatung)
Find a recognised debt advice centre near you. Costs differ by region: ask about them before the advice starts. Avoid paid online offers.
Website ↗ · Source: www.vz-schuldnerberatung.de · Checked 2026-10-13
- Legal advice for people on low income (Beratungshilfe)
Advice from a lawyer if you have little money. Ask at your local court (Amtsgericht). You pay at most €15.
Website ↗ · Source: service.justiz.de · Checked 2026-10-13
- Migration advice for adults (MBE)free
Free advice for adult migrants on housing, work, health, family and German courses. Often in your own language.
Website ↗ · Source: www.bamf.de · Checked 2026-10-13
- Information Service for Victims of Domestic Violence☎ 800 202 148free · 24/7
Free, 24/7, confidential information and referral. Also by SMS 3060 or email violencia@cig.gov.pt.
Website ↗ · Source: www.cig.gov.pt · Checked 2026-10-13
- APAV Victim Support Line☎ 116 006free
Free call for victims of any crime. Working days 8:00–23:00.
- National Network for Victims of Domestic Violence (RNAVVD)☎ 800 202 148free · 24/7
Free support centres, emergency places and shelters across Portugal. Call 800 202 148 to be referred.
Website ↗ · Source: www.cig.gov.pt · Checked 2026-10-13
- Legal aid (proteção jurídica)free
If you cannot pay, Social Security can appoint a lawyer and waive or reduce court costs. Decision in about 30 days.
Website ↗ · Source: www.gov.pt · Checked 2026-10-13
- Bank Customer Support Network (RACE)free
Free advice if you cannot pay a loan or are behind on payments. They advise you but do not negotiate for you.
Website ↗ · Source: www.pgdlisboa.pt · Checked 2026-10-13
- SOS Voz Amiga (listening line)☎ 213 544 545
Anonymous listening when you feel alone or sad. Every day 15:30–00:30. Normal call cost.
Website ↗ · Source: www.sosvozamiga.org · Checked 2026-10-13
- SNS 24 psychological counselling (option 4)☎ 808 24 24 2424/7
Psychologists of the national health service, 24/7. Choose option 4. Also in English.
Website ↗ · Source: www.sns24.gov.pt · Checked 2026-10-13
- Migrant Support Line (AIMA)☎ 808 257 257
Information for migrants in 14 languages. Mon–Fri 9:00–19:00. From mobiles: 218 106 191.
Website ↗ · Source: www.gov.pt · Checked 2026-10-13
- 112 European emergency number☎ 112free · 24/7
If you are in danger now. Free from any phone, in every EU country: police, ambulance, fire brigade.
Website ↗ · Source: digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu · Checked 2026-10-13
- Helpline for victims of crime (where available)☎ 116 006
EU number for victims of crime. Active in Germany and Portugal. No 116 006 service found in Italy: call 1522, or 112 in danger.
Website ↗ · Source: ec.europa.eu · Checked 2026-10-13
In an emergency, call 112. Economic abuse is never your fault. Asking for help is a strength.
All services in your country →Downloads
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Lesson 1.1: What is economic abuse?
Money can be used as a weapon. This lesson gives you clear words to name economic abuse and to tell it apart from everyday money stress.
Lesson 1.2: The tactics abusers use
Economic abuse is made of many small, specific behaviours. When you know their names, they are easier to spot and harder to dismiss.
Lesson 1.3: Recognising the signs
Knowing the tactics is one step. Spotting them in real life is the next. This lesson helps you notice warning signs and see how abuse grows over time.
Lesson 1.4: Impact and who is at risk
Economic abuse does deep and lasting harm. It hits hardest those who already face disadvantage. This lesson looks at its impact, who is most at risk, and the myths around it.