Let’s TALK about financial abuse: equipping Australians to start the conversation 

A new financial abuse awareness campaign launches today, as research shows the majority of Australians (78 per cent) face barriers that prevent them from starting conversations with those they suspect may be experiencing financial abuse.¹

Developed in partnership between CommBank and Future Women, the TALK series aims to encourage Australians to reach out to loved ones who may be affected. The social-led content is designed to give Australians more confidence to shift from observing or suspecting abuse to talking about it and actively supporting victim-survivors.

Featuring popular media personalities Tanya Hennessy, Clare Bowditch, Jamila Rizvi and Rosie Waterland, the series discusses the red flags of financial abuse and how to TALK, which stands for:

• T rust your instincts. If you notice red flags, don’t ignore them.
• A sk openly and gently. This may include following up obvious signs of distress or changes in their behaviour.
• L isten actively. Let them tell their story in their own words. Try not to jump to conclusions on their behalf.
• K now the support available.

Informed by domestic and family violence specialists, the TALK campaign is supported by research¹ involving 10,000 Australians which shows almost half (46 per cent) say they know or suspect someone close to them has experienced financial abuse. Of those, one third (32 per cent) do not feel confident that they know how to help (32 per cent) and a similar proportion worry they may make a loved one feel uncomfortable by initiating a conversation (36 per cent). While the majority (70 per cent) say they would confide in a friend or family member if they were experiencing financial abuse, many do not feel confident being that support, highlighting a significant knowledge and confidence gap that needs to be addressed.

Jamila Rizvi, Deputy Managing Director of Future Women, said: “In the TALK series we share practical guidance to help start these sensitive conversations, openly and gently. An abusive relationship is isolating, especially where contact with loved ones has been restricted. It’s important for friends and family to stay connected and know how to offer support but that can be tricky if you don't know where to start. Let’s move past the fear of saying the wrong thing and trust our instincts, listening actively and offering support with care.”

Angela MacMillan, CBA Group Customer Advocate, said: “Through CommBank’s Next Chapter program, launched in 2020, we’ve been focused on helping end financial abuse and supporting victim-survivors on their path to long-term financial independence. This new TALK series encourages Australians to start vital conversations, which can be the first step toward breaking the cycle of abuse. We believe in a brighter future for all, and by empowering people to discuss financial abuse, we can help more individuals get the support they need to regain control over their finances and future.”

CommBank Next Chapter is a bank-wide initiative to help end financial abuse and offers support, no matter who you bank with. Financial abuse is a form of domestic and family violence and is one of the most powerful ways to keep someone trapped in an abusive relationship. It includes having to ask for permission to spend your own money, being forced to take out a loan in your name or not having access to your personal bank account.

For further information on financial abuse visit commbank.com.au/nextchapter.

Anyone worried about their finances because of domestic or family violence or coercive control can contact the Next Chapter Team on 1800 222 387 for support – no matter who they bank with.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au.

In an emergency or if you’re not feeling safe, always call 000.

ENDs

_{1 YouGov Community Attitudes to Financial Abuse 2023 Survey, sample size of 10,000+ Australians aged 18+ (19 May 2023).} Following the completion of interviewing, the data was weighted by age, gender, region, household income and highest level of education to reflect the latest ABS population estimates.

For images and talent videos for media of Jamila, Clare, Rosie and Tanya please email media@cba.com.au

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