Naming violence: Forms of economic violence in highland Papua New Guinea

Despite a growing recognition that economic violence against women is widespread, it continues to be given less attention than other forms of violence. Drawing on qualitative research among women in rural highlands Papua New Guinea, this chapter shows that economic abuse is all too common and takes a variety of forms which can be divided into two broad types – economic control and economic exploitation. While physical violence and economic violence are distinct forms of violence, a strong nexus between the two exists. Economic violence causes financial hardship for the family, making a precarious existence even more precarious. It is important to recognize that economic violence is one part of a repertoire of violent behaviour, which uses various forms of violence to achieve complete power and control in the family.