Mason Bill Would Help Victims of Financial Abuse Seek Justice

GURNEE, Ill. – As a longtime advocate for survivors of domestic abuse, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, recently introduced legislation to expand the statutory definition of domestic violence to include acts of economic and financial abuse.

“One of the many ways perpetrators keep individuals trapped in situations of abuse is by controlling their access to money,” Mason said. “Exerting financial control is an especially effective way to take away a victim’s independence as it limits their ability to seek outside counsel or move out of an abusive home.”

Mason’s House Bill 3866 would amend the Illinois Domestic Violence Act to make financial and economic abuse classified as part of domestic abuse. Mason’s House Bill 3866 is one of several measures she has filed in the 102nd General Assembly to make it easier for survivors of domestic violence to get justice. Mason’s other domestic abuse initiatives include her House Bills 1800 and 3292, as well as her House Resolution 7.

“While economic abuse is a tactic that is commonly used by domestic abusers, there aren’t any existing laws in Illinois that classify it as a crime,” Mason said. “My House Bill 3866 would address this gap in current state law by changing the definition of domestic violence to include economic and financial abuse, making it easier for survivors to get the help and justice they deserve.”