In the series Maid, Alex, a single mother, painfully extricates herself from an abusive relationship to offer a better life for her daughter, Maddy. Adapted from Stephanie Land’s autobiographical book, this Netflix-produced series shows how economic violence is one of the most insidious, profound, and debilitating forms of domestic violence, psychological harassment, and daily male domination over women. Economic violence is a massive phenomenon: in 2021, a quarter of women calling the 3919 hotline reported experiencing economic violence within their relationships. According to a survey by IFOP for Les Glorieuses, more than four out of ten French women experience at least one form of economic violence in their lifetime. One in two women no longer receives or does not receive child support payments when they should. In general, heterosexual relationships are a source of impoverishment for women: men’s accumulated wealth is 1.4 to 2.4 times higher than that of women.
However, economic violence is currently a blind spot in our public policies. It is completely absent from the debate. Economic violence is poorly documented and therefore poorly identified: men may control, exploit, and financially sabotage their partners on a daily basis, potentially leading to a total prohibition against working and over-indebtedness. Economic violence can take multiple forms: administrative control, resource privatization, endangering women’s common or personal assets, and concealing the man’s assets. It can be perpetrated explicitly (seizure of pay, denial of access to bank accounts, prevention from working, confiscation of bank cards, refusal to pay child support, incurring debts) or insidiously (control, coercion, unequal sharing of household expenses). In all cases, economic violence has serious consequences for women in terms of impoverishment and psychological vulnerability, as it can lead to a total loss of autonomy.
Economic and sexist violence are often intertwined: 99% of women who experience economic violence have also experienced other forms of domestic violence. By exposing women to a complete loss of autonomy, economic violence establishes control and materially prevents women from breaking free. The series Maid highlights the struggles faced by women in abusive relationships, shedding light on the often overlooked issue of economic violence. The show underscores the need for greater awareness, education, and support for victims of economic abuse, as well as the importance of addressing the gender inequalities that perpetuate such harmful behaviors. Through Alex’s journey, viewers are able to witness the strength and resilience of survivors of economic violence, while also recognizing the systemic changes needed to prevent and combat such forms of abuse in society. In conclusion, Maid serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address economic violence and support those who have experienced its devastating effects.
