Could you spot financial abuse? The warning signs to look for

A new report has highlighted the deadly consequences of financial abuse.

Research by the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) found that financial abuse is linked to the death of a victim every three weeks in England and Wales.

The study analysed 400 Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) carried out between 2012 and 2024. These reviews are conducted when someone aged 16 or over dies, or is suspected to have died, following abuse, violence, or neglect by a current or former partner, family member, or someone living in the same household.

Researchers found that one person died every 19 days in cases involving economic abuse and intimate partner violence.

More than half (51%) of the reviews involved financial abuse within intimate partner violence.

Most victims were women and most abusers were men.

The report also found that victims of financial abuse tended to be younger, with an average age of 40, compared with 52 for victims across all other domestic abuse cases.

SEA said the findings should serve as a “wake-up call”, warning that more needs to be done to raise awareness of economic abuse.

What is financial abuse?

Financial abuse is a form of coercive control. According to SEA, it occurs when an abuser takes control over a person’s:

• income
• spending
• bank accounts
• bills
• borrowing

It can also involve restricting access to essential resources, such as:

• technology
• food
• housing
• transport
• clothing

Warning signs of financial abuse

Your partner controls all the finances

One of the clearest warning signs is when a partner insists on managing all the money.

They may demand that your salary is paid into their account, prevent you from opening your own bank account or credit card, or make you ask for money or an “allowance”.

Everyone has the right to financial independence.

Your partner closely monitors your spending

Your partner may demand to see receipts for everything you buy, question small purchases, or accuse you of wasting money.

This level of control is not healthy in a relationship. If this is happening to you, support is available through organisations such as Refuge and Women's Aid.

Your partner prevents you from working

Abusers often try to stop their partners from working in order to maintain financial control.

They may discourage you from applying for jobs, sabotage your work by constantly calling or showing up at your workplace, or make you feel guilty for wanting to work.

Having a job is an important part of financial independence.

Your partner withholds money for basic needs

Some abusers withhold money for essentials such as food, clothing, or medication.

This is a way to exert power and control. No one should be denied access to basic necessities.

Your partner forces you to hand over your pay

Being pressured or forced to hand over your salary is a clear sign of financial abuse.

What might start as a shared bank account can turn into one partner controlling all the income and denying the other access to it.

Your earnings belong to you, and you have the right to decide how they are used.

Your partner hides financial information

Secrecy around money can also be a warning sign.

For example, a partner may:

• make large purchases without telling you
• hide bank statements or bills
• become angry when you ask about finances

If your partner hides financial information, it may indicate something is wrong.

Other signs of financial abuse

Other warning signs to watch for include:

• unexplained cash withdrawals or missing money
• isolation from friends and family
• unpaid bills despite someone supposedly managing the finances
• assets being transferred to someone else without explanation
• a sudden decline in living standards, such as lack of heating or food

Understanding financial abuse

Financial abuse involves controlling or exploiting someone’s money or assets, often by someone they trust.

Examples can include:

• taking money or valuables without permission
• scamming vulnerable people
• forcing someone to change their will

Where to get help

If you suspect financial abuse, it’s important to take action. Financial abuse often occurs alongside other forms of abuse.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

If you are concerned about your safety, you can contact the following 24-hour domestic abuse helplines:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline (England): 0808 2000 247
• Live Fear Free Helpline (Wales): 0808 80 10 800
• Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline (Scotland): 0800 027 1234
• Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline (Northern Ireland): 0808 802 1414

If you need advice about financial abuse, Surviving Economic Abuse offers specialist support.

You can also contact the Financial Support Line on 0808 196 8845 for confidential advice.

Read more about spotting the signs of financial abuse.