Bankwest’s latest Hidden Costs Report shows Western Australians are more aware than ever of financial abuse and coercive control – but many still don’t know where to turn for help.
The 2025 Hidden Costs Report, now in its fifth year, canvassed more than 1,000 WA adults and tracks community awareness of coercive control, family and domestic violence (FDV) and financial abuse over time. It coincides with the WA Government’s 16 Days in WA campaign to end gender‑based violence.
The report also lands as this year’s 16 Days in WA – Stop Violence Against Women campaign runs from 25 November to 10 December, calling on all Western Australians to play their part in preventing family and domestic violence.
Financial abuse awareness has climbed to 95%, up from 89% in 2021, and understanding has reached 80%, up 11 percentage points since 2021. However, just 32% of West Australians can name a support service for people experiencing financial abuse.
While 61% say they feel confident identifying financial abuse – including common forms such as coercion into debt, control of money, and restricted access to bank accounts – recognition levels have remained unchanged over time.
Jodene Murphy (pictured), Bankwest general manager customer, marketing and communications, said the results are encouraging but show there is more to do.
“It is promising that awareness of financial abuse and coercive control has increased, but we still have a long way to go before we end financial abuse and help people achieve long-term financial independence in WA," Murphy said in a media release.
“The number of West Australians who are unable to name a financial abuse help service is too high. It is critical the finance sector continues to build awareness of one of the hidden costs of family violence.”
Coercive control awareness has climbed to 80%, up 11 percentage points from last year and 19 points since 2022. Understanding of coercive control now stands at 55%, showing increases of 11 points since 2024 and 15 points since 2022.
West Australians increasingly recognise a wide range of behaviours as coercive control, with recognition of emotional and psychological abuse (69%) rising by 10 points since 2022. However, 50% still say they could not identify emotional or psychological abuse, underscoring the complexity of spotting non‑physical forms of control.
The Bankwest report also highlights elevated risks for people with disabilities: WA residents who have disclosed a disability are roughly twice as likely as those without a disability to say they have experienced or are currently experiencing coercive control (27% compared to 14%).
Jessica Stojkovski, WA minister for the prevention of family and domestic violence, said financial abuse is a critical part of the coercive‑control picture.
“Financial abuse is an all too common form of coercive control which seeks to limit an individual’s access to independence and freedom of choice," Stojkovski said. “We know it has devastating consequences for those impacted and can lead to individuals feeling trapped in abusive relationships.
“The findings in the Bankwest Hidden Costs Report highlight how crucial awareness raising is, in shaping public understanding on complex issues such as coercive control and what that can look like in a relationship.
“Encouragingly, this year’s Hidden Costs Report demonstrates that the number of Western Australians that understand financial abuse and coercive control continues to grow.
“However, there is still much to do in raising this awareness, which is why the Cook government is taking a measured, phased approach to criminalising coercive control.
“It’s important victim survivors hear and understand they are not alone, there is help available. During 16 Days in WA we can make change and we want everyone playing their part.”
Bankwest has recently launched a new “Just Enough Bank” brand platform as part of its strategy to position itself as Australia’s preferred digital bank, focusing on simple, practical banking solutions tailored to busy customers who prioritise ease and efficiency in how they manage their money.
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