What is a common characteristic of economic abuse?

Economic abuse is characterized by behaviors that seek to control a person's access to financial resources, thereby limiting their independence and ability to support themselves. Preventing a partner from working is a clear manifestation of economic abuse. This behavior can take the form of making it difficult or impossible for someone to pursue employment, which not only has immediate financial implications but also contributes to long-term emotional and psychological ramifications.

In the context of economic abuse, this prevention can be overt, such as forbidding the partner from seeking employment, or subtle, such as creating an environment that discourages or undermines their efforts to work. By restricting access to financial autonomy, the abuser maintains control over the victim, reinforcing their position of power in the relationship.

The other options, while related to financial dynamics in relationships, do not reflect the coercive or controlling nature of economic abuse. Offering financial incentives, encouraging shared financial decisions, or promoting financial literacy are supportive behaviors that empower individuals rather than restrict them, thus differing fundamentally from the concept of economic abuse.