Many people think that domestic violence is easier to deal with when you are rich. But the fact is, wealthy people have a number of problems unique to their high socioeconomic status that make dealing with domestic abuse even more difficult.

What is it like for the abused rich woman?

1) Disbelief

When they break their silence, a roar erupts that pushes them back into hiding. People doubt that they are really abused. “How can it be?” they hear, “Your husband is a pillar in the community.”

It can be a doctor, a lawyer, a politician, your community’s own clergy … If you are serving in these care / healing / protective positions, how on earth can you be an abuser? This confusing dichotomy of outsiders looking toward affluent domestic abuse.

As an aside, it even confuses Google. Try doing a Google search on domestic violence and wealth or money or affluence. These words that connote high socioeconomic status cannot be found in combination with the term “domestic violence” (at least not at the time of writing this article).

two) No empathy

People retain empathy for the circumstances of battered wealthy women. “You go on an exotic vacation, you live in a nice house, you choose the best of the season …”

The implication here is that you should “flip the check” in regards to slapping you and enjoying your wealth. He says that lifestyle is the “price” for enduring abuse.

3) False claims and revictimization

When wealthy and battered women turn to social services for help, their potential for abuse increases exponentially. She may get buried in play-offs sponsored by the rewards of her manipulative abusive partners.

Abusers are known for their ability to manipulate healthcare providers and law enforcement agencies to make false claims about their victims. It is their way of discrediting the survivor of domestic violence and ultimately saving face by dismissing any liability for suspected or documented domestic abuse.

4) Empty Legal War Chest

When they go to divorce court, all hell can be lost. They can be buried in allegations about allegations characteristic of legal stalking in high-profile divorce cases.

Often these battered women appear in pro se ‘family court representing themselves against their partner’s assault partner’s team of legal advisers. They may even have a list of divorce attorneys on their way once the payment failed.

You see, most of the so-called wealthy and battered women have no control over family money. So when the chase is on to break the cycle of abuse, the financial tap is turned off. And they remain at the mercy of their partner’s financial war chest, the resources that define their high-level status in the first place.

So when they try to tap into the same resources available to their less “economically empowered” counterparts, it doesn’t improve. Unfortunately, battered “rich” women seeking legal help in the public system can be told, “We cannot help you because your legal aid needs will exceed our entire annual budget.”

5) The heinous crimes

Sadly, these are the cases of domestic violence divorce where battered mothers may lose contact with their minor children or have token contact through supervised visitation. These are the survivors of domestic violence who fall into the cracks of the legal system, becoming childless, homeless and penniless.

These are the brave women who thought they had it easier, like everyone else, because of their wealth. And then they recognize that their challenges to break free can ultimately re-victimize them through their partner’s use of family money.

If you are a battered wealthy woman, consider the challenges that lie ahead. And be prepared to deal with each and every one of them as you campaign to break the cycle of domestic abuse.