This research finds that government agencies and financial institutions narrow the conversation to economic abuse that occurs in the context of intimate partner relationships, and do not adequately address economic abuse that occurs post-separation. There is an urgent need to raise public awareness and literacy on the issue of non-payment of child support as economic abuse. Non-payment of child support is often not recognised as abuse by the people experiencing it, by those who perpetrate it, and by those who respond to it.

Non-payment of child support is a gendered issue. It can have a profound impact on the lives of women who are often already facing significant economic disadvantage due to patriarchal social structures, the gender pay gap, primary carer responsibilities, domestic unpaid labour, and a system that does not adequately ensure women have appropriate financial supports in place after they leave violent and abusive relationships.

This literature review brings together the available research from academics, government departments and agencies, frontline women’s rights advocates, and other primary sources, including media articles. The authors have also included direct quotes from women who are engaged with Women’s Legal Services Australia and have experienced non-payment of child support as economic abuse.

The research finds that the child support system requires urgent reform to recognise the devastating consequences for women and children of non-payment of child support as economic abuse, and appropriate responses are urgently needed to address this form of economic abuse to create safer and more equitable outcomes for women and children.