Economic violence against a spouse is characterized by economic control, denial of access to economic sources, and deprivation of economic rights. It is a common phenomenon that has not received adequate attention by the authorities and by the legal system. It is usually directed by men against women and is especially common in minority groups. The present study seeks to isolate the phenomenon of economic violence from other types of violence. To this end, it reviews the definition for economic violence, examines its characteristics and the legal situation, and introduces, for the first time, possible models for addressing the problem.
The appropriate remedy for coping with the phenomenon depends to a considerable degree on the classification of this type of behavior: Is economic violence part of the private or public law, or is it an independent domain, situated between the two?
The study examines several approaches for dealing with the phenomenon:(1) Economic violence as a private problem of the victim. According to this approach, it is possible to cope with the phenomenon by providing a remedy in private law. (2) Economic violence as a domain belonging to family law. Can economic violence be recognized as a basis for maintenance and as an independent cause of action for divorce in religious Jewish and possibly also in secular family law? (3) Economic violence as a public matter that affects not only the victim. Does economic violence against a spouse justify use of the extreme sanction of criminal punishment? (4) Integration of one or more of the above-mentioned approaches, to arrive at a holistic and comprehensive legal treatment.