Nationwide backs Money Wellness domestic violence campaign

Nationwide has backed Money Wellness’ campaign to increase protections for domestic abuse survivors.

At the moment, survivors applying for certain debt solutions must pay £308 for a person at risk of violence (PARV) order.

This prevents their address from being added to a public register and can stop abusive ex-partners from tracking them down.

We want the PARV order fee to be scrapped, so people can access the debt relief they desperately need more easily.

This would not only give more survivors the confidence to leave their homes and return to work without fear of being found by an abusive ex, but also improve their mental health and quality of life.

Why we want the fee to be dropped

We’re delighted that Nationwide is throwing its weight behind our campaign.

People affected by domestic abuse have already gone through a hugely traumatic experience.

So they shouldn’t be put in a situation where they have to choose between their safety or paying the bills.

While in some cases, the fee may be waived if applicants meet certain income-related criteria, domestic abuse survivors shouldn’t have to jump through hoops to avoid harm.

Our customer data shows that around 1,470 people needed a PARV order in 2024, but just 194 addresses were actually withheld.

This means that only 13% are getting the protection they need, and that most survivors either couldn’t afford the fee or found it hard to navigate the system. 

Nationwide extends support for domestic abuse survivors

As well as backing our campaign, Nationwide has announced a partnership with domestic abuse charity Refuge.

Andrew Ball, head of supplier management at Nationwide, said: “With one in four women experiencing some form of economic or domestic abuse, it is vital that we have support available for customers when they need it the most. 

Emma Pickering of Refuge added that this partnership has “never been more needed”.

Help is available 

If you're worried about domestic abuse, then there are organisations that you can contact for support.

Refuge 

Refuge helps women and children experiencing domestic violence with emergency accommodation and emotional support. 

Women's Aid 

Women’s Aid works to end domestic abuse against women and children, offering online chat, resources and help finding local services. 

Respect 

Respect offers confidential advice and support for men who are being abused, as well as help for people who want to change their abusive behaviour. 

Galop  

Galop helps LGBTQ+ people who are dealing with domestic abuse, hate crime or sexual violence. 

National domestic abuse helpline  

This is a free and confidential helpline available 24 hours a day to anyone affected by domestic abuse.