The form of domestic violence that is not talked about
On April 25, Allied Irish Bank (AIB) drew attention to a widespread but rarely addressed part of domestic violence.
Domestic violence has many faces. In addition to physical, sexual and psychological violence, there is also widespread but less frequently discussed economic violence. This includes, among other things, when partners are denied access to financial resources. Demonstrated power on the one hand, dependency and being at the mercy of others on the other. For the women affected, financial violence can be a seemingly insurmountable obstacle to leaving the abusive partner.
AIB, Ireland's largest financial institution, in collaboration with Women's Aid, has drawn attention to an issue that many people may not be aware of: Around 200,000 women in the country are affected by financial violence. In other words, almost one in ten Irish women over the age of 15. And yes, of course there are also male victims.
Together with the NPO Women's Aid and the agency Rothco, the bank demonstrated what it feels like to be affected by this type of abuse. An ATM was prepared in such a way that it asks offensive, suspicious and threatening questions instead of "spitting out" the money.
According to Alan Kelly, CCO at Rothco, this is the only form of abuse that is not talked about. "Just telling people about it wouldn't change anything. Financial abuse is so subtle and insidious that people had to experience it first-hand to fully understand it." This is exactly what they wanted to achieve with the ATM. Shot with a hidden camera - unscripted, according to the agency - the film is being played out via the social media channels of the parties involved and will hopefully help to break another taboo.
