4m women have suffered economic abuse in the past year

More than four million women in the UK have had their finances controlled by an abuser in the past year.

According to the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA), this works out to 15% of all women.

However, many of these women are staying silent.

SEA figures showed that 42% didn’t speak to anyone about what they were going through, not even a friend or family member.

Half of women don’t know what economic abuse is

Another issue is that many women don’t know anything about economic abuse.

The SEA found that more than half (55%) of women in the UK don’t know about this form of domestic abuse, while one in three (33%) only know a little about it.

“Awareness is critical because those who are aware are more likely to get the help they need,” said Sam Smethers, chief executive of the charity.

“Many are trapped in dangerous situations with an abuser or left with mountains of debt, homeless and experiencing this form of coercive control long after the relationship has ended.”  

What is economic abuse?

Economic abuse happens when someone controls another person’s finances or their ability to earn money. 

It often traps victims with the abuser and, if they do manage to leave, destroys their ability to rebuild their lives, sometimes forcing them to return to their abuser.

Economic abuse can take many forms, such as: 

• restricting access to a bank account
• stopping a person from accessing essentials such as food, shampoo and medicine
• taking out credit in a partner’s name without their permission
• preventing you from being in education or employment
• taking your children’s savings or birthday money
• taking out credit cards, loans or mortgages in your name
• limiting your working hours
• taking your wages
• refusing to let you claim benefits

Take action

If you suspect financial abuse, it’s important to act. 

Financial abuse often goes hand in hand with other forms of abuse. 

If you have concerns that your partner may be monitoring your internet use, try and borrow a friend’s phone or use a public computer e.g. at your local library.

And if you’re in immediate danger, call 999.

Help and support

If you've left a relationship where you faced economic abuse, making ends meet can be a real struggle.

The Financial Support Line can provide specialist advice on 0808 196 8845.

Charities and organisations like the ones we’ve listed can also help you access grants and support:

• National Domestic Abuse helpline
• Refuge
• Women’s Aid
• Respect - Men’s Advice Line
• ManKind Initiative

Grants

Some banks and financial organisations offer hardship funds for customers facing money problems or escaping abusive relationships.

So ask if they can help you.

You can find a complete list of charity grants on the Turn2Us website.

Get help with coercive debt

Often, people who flee an abusive relationship are left with debt fraudulently taken out in their name or that they’ve been coerced into taking.

If you’re carrying debts from an abusive relationship, we can advise you on solutions that could be suitable for you based on your circumstances.

You can get in touch with us online or give us a call.