One in three young women experience economic abuse – here’s how to get help

More than one in three young women aged 16 to 24 across the UK are experiencing economic abuse, according to new research from the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA).

The findings show that economic abuse is affecting young women early in relationships, with many experiencing it before they reach adulthood.

The impact can be devastating, leaving victims isolated, financially dependent on an abusive partner, and struggling to rebuild their lives.

What is economic abuse?

Economic abuse happens when someone controls another person’s money or ability to earn an income. It’s a form of domestic abuse that’s often used to create dependence and make it harder for someone to leave a relationship.

Unlike physical abuse, economic abuse can be difficult to recognise. It may involve controlling everyday spending, preventing someone from working or studying, taking money without permission, or creating debt in their name.

Economic abuse can trap people in abusive relationships and can continue to affect them long after they leave. Many survivors face financial hardship, damaged credit, debt, and difficulties securing housing or becoming independent.

The scale of the problem

Based on a survey carried out by Ipsos UK of 1,992 women aged 16-24, SEA’s research found:

• 36% of young women aged 16 - 24 had experienced economic abuse from a current or former partner in the past 12 months, equivalent to an estimated 1.28 million young women across the UK.
• Almost one in three girls aged 16 - 18 (31%) reported experiencing economic abuse from a current or former partner in the previous 12 months.
• Nearly one in five 16 - 18-year-olds (17%) said the abuse began within the first month of the relationship, more than double the rate reported by women aged 22 - 24 (8%).
• 18% of respondents said a current or former partner had pressured them to give them money in the past year.
• One in five young women had been made to buy things for a current or former partner that they didn’t want to purchase.
• 17% said their partner deliberately damaged or destroyed their belongings or property.
• 12% experienced a partner controlling, or attempting to control, access to mobile payment accounts.

The serious impact on mental health

Economic abuse can have a deep and lasting impact on a person’s wellbeing.

Half of young women who experienced economic abuse reported negative impacts on their mental health, including:

• depression
• panic attacks
• self-harm
• suicidal thoughts

The research also found that among young women experiencing economic abuse, more than a quarter (27%) said their current or former partner had prevented them from working, studying, or training. This is equivalent to around 346,000 young women.

Common forms of economic abuse

Economic abuse can take many different forms, including:

• restricting access to a bank account or controlling spending
• preventing someone from buying essentials such as food, toiletries, or medication
• taking out credit, loans, or mortgages in someone else’s name without permission
• forcing someone to give up work, education, or training
• limiting working hours or stopping someone from earning money
• taking someone’s wages or benefits
• taking children’s savings, birthday money, or personal funds
• creating debts through fraud or coercion

Take action if you’re concerned

Economic abuse often happens alongside other forms of abuse, including coercive control, intimidation and emotional abuse.

If you think someone may be monitoring your internet use or devices, try to seek support using a friend’s phone or a public computer, such as one available at a local library.

If you are in immediate danger, call 999.

Help and support

Leaving an abusive relationship can bring financial challenges, but support is available.

The Financial Support Line provides specialist advice on 0808 196 8845.

You can also contact organisations including:

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

Financial help and grants

Some banks and financial organisations offer hardship funds and specialist support for customers experiencing financial difficulties or leaving abusive relationships.

It's worth asking your bank or lender what help may be available.

A full list of charitable grants and financial support options is available through Turn2us.

Support with coercive debt

Many people who leave abusive relationships are left with debts that were fraudulently taken out in their name or that they were pressured into taking on.

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.