What would you do if someone controlled all your finances, leaving you scrabbling for loose change to feed yourself and your child? Or racked up thousands of pounds of debt in your name so even when you left, they were still in control?

For Rebecca, that was her reality.

Rebecca desperately needed help, but no one understood what she was going through until she discovered Surviving Economic Abuse. We listened and helped Rebecca access specialist support to write off her debts.

For the first time in years, Rebecca could finally breathe.

There are 5.5 million women in the UK, just like Rebecca, whose lives have been devastated by economic abuse. The effects can last a lifetime, and without support some women never break free of the abuser’s control.

They can be left with huge amounts of debt, or without access to money, a job, possessions or a home. Many are trapped with abusive partners and experience other forms of abuse. Some feel they have no choice but to take their own lives. 

Surviving Economic Abuse works day in, day out to help victim-survivors regain control of their lives after being abused. Our professional training makes sure that when survivors reach out to the police, confide in a GP, or disclose to their bank, they are given the right support.

Your donation to Surviving Economic Abuse could help someone you know get the support they desperately need.

We were delighted to be featured on BBC Radio 4’s Appeal. TV presenter, survivor and SEA Ambassador Ruth Dodsworth shared her story, and how you can be part of our mission to stop economic abuse forever. You can listen back to our appeal below.

Rebecca’s story

Why donate to Surviving Economic Abuse?

One in five women in the UK has experienced economic abuse by a current or former partner in the past 12 months.

There’s little doubt that this is an exceptionally challenging time for victim-survivors. As living costs have risen, the economic instability facing survivors has spiralled, making our work more critical than ever. 

We train thousands of professionals from financial services, domestic abuse services and other frontline organisations to increase understanding of economic abuse and transform responses to it.

No one should be forced to stay with an abuser because they have no control over the money or items needed to leave and live independently. No one should be forced to stay with an abuser or risk homelessness and destitution.

By donating today, you’re making sure victim-survivors receive the right response the first time they seek help. 

Ruth’s story

Ruth’s life savings and credit rating were wiped out following a campaign of economic abuse at the hands of her ex-husband. Now, Ruth is speaking out to highlight the lasting effects of economic abuse and the huge strides being made to support victim-survivors. 

“He controlled every single aspect of my life and that effectively kept me in that relationship. I’m still in debt, debts accrued by my now ex-husband, debts that I’m liable to pay off and that’s why charities like Surviving Economic Abuse are so important.”

Photo: Nick Meir

Getting support

If you have experienced economic abuse, you are not alone. There are people and organisations that can help. We have information on support that is available.