Legal Protection for Women Who Are Victims of Economic Abuse within a Marital Relationship
Keywords:
Economic Abuse, Legal Protection, Domestic Violence, Women's Rights, Marital RelationshipAbstract
Economic abuse within marital relationships is an insidious yet frequently overlooked form of domestic violence that severely compromises a woman's financial autonomy, dignity, and overall well-being. This study examines the adequacy and effectiveness of existing legal protection frameworks for female victims of economic violence in marriage. Utilizing a normative legal research methodology with statutory and conceptual approaches, this paper evaluates prevailing regulations specifically Law No. 23 of 2004 on the Elimination of Domestic Violence alongside judicial precedents and enforcement mechanisms. The findings reveal that while statutory law formally penalizes household economic neglect, significant impediments remain in practice. These challenges arise from strict evidentiary requirements, ambiguous legal definitions regarding subtle financial control, and deeply ingrained socio-cultural norms that rationalize marital economic dependency. Consequently, available legal remedies often fail to provide immediate financial stabilization, equitable restitution, or comprehensive support during litigation. To ensure substantive legal protection, this paper recommends legislative refinements to broaden definitions of economic coercion, simplified evidentiary standards, continuous gender-sensitization training for law enforcement, and the establishment of urgent interim financial support orders.
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