One in six women in the UK has experienced economic abuse by a current or former partner in the last year, yet too often it goes unnoticed. But once you know the signs, they can be easy to spot.  

Friends, family or new partners are often the first people victim-survivors turn to for help, advice or information. This information is designed to help you spot the signs of economic abuse and know how to offer support.  

What is economic abuse? 

Domestic abuse takes many forms. Some abusers repeatedly dictate their partner’s choices and control their everyday actions, becoming violent or threatening to become violent if their demands are refused.   

Abusers may interfere (through restriction, exploitation and sabotage) with their partner’s access to money and finances, as well as the things that money can buy (such as food, clothing, transportation and a place to live). This is economic abuse, and it is designed to limit someone’s freedom.  

This type of abuse creates economic instability, trapping victim-survivors with abusers and preventing them from rebuilding their lives.  

What are the warning signs of economic abuse? 

Economic abuse can be difficult to spot and what might at first seem caring or protective can very quickly become controlling and coercive.    

You may notice that your loved one is changing their behaviour as a result of their partner, like feeling anxious, isolating themselves, or changing what they buy.  

We work with a group of women who have experienced economic abuse. They are ‘Experts by Experience’ and their insight underpins our work. We asked them what a friend, relative or colleague could have done to help them. This is what they said.  

Changes in their appearance or behaviour: 

• They wear ill-fitting or worn-out clothing  
• They don’t have a coat to wear when it is cold  
• They don’t have the money to get their hair done  
• They buy cheap items 
• They make excuses not to join friends for coffee and meals out 
• They ‘over-react’ to normal situations, such as going out for a meal or planning a holiday  
• They are unable to provide packed lunches, school uniforms or other essentials for their children 

You might notice the above changes in your loved one’s appearance or behaviour. While sometimes this can be a sign of someone struggling financially, it could be a sign of economic abuse if the also seem anxious, fearful of their partner or increasingly isolated.   

Signs their partner is stopping them from having or using money or belongings (this is called economic restriction): 

• They have to check with the partner before they spend any money   
• They ask to borrow money for essential items like food or shampoo   
• They don’t have access to the joint account, or say their partner deals with all money matters 
• They are counting the pennies and making lengthy decisions when shopping  
• They always use cash and not a card 
• They don’t have access to their passport, ID or information about their right to live in the UK     
• They don’t have access to the medication, living aids or carer they need for their disability or long-term illness 

Signs their partner is using their money for themselves or forcing them to borrow money (this is called economic exploitation): 

• They are struggling to pay all the shared household bills on their own  
• They ask to borrow money to pay back loans their partner took out in their name  
• They are working multiple jobs to help fund their partner’s lifestyle  
• Their wages or benefits are paid directly into their partner’s account  
• They work for their partner’s or his family business without pay or below minimum wage 
• Their partner receives a Carer’s Allowance, but it doesn’t look like they’re getting appropriate care 
• They announce they are pregnant, despite expressing that they don’t want to or don’t feel ready to start a family   

Signs that partner is making it harder for them to work, study, or claim benefits (this is called economic sabotage): 

• Their partner constantly calls them at work or turns up unexpectedly   
• They leave the job, despite having always liked it  
• They turn down a promotion because their partner suggests the hours are too much  
• They are regularly late for work because they don’t have access to their car or money for public transport 
• They say they want to return to work, but their partner isn’t supportive  
• They often need to replace their phone or other personal items because it’s been deliberately damaged or broken  

Signs they are still experiencing economic abuse, even if they have separated from their partner: 

• They are worried about their ex-partner finding out their new address from their bank 
• Their ex-partner is making it harder for them to sell the family home, even though a court has ordered it  
• They seem upset when they receive payments from their ex-partner   
• They haven’t received the child maintenance, even though their ex-partner can afford it   
• They are paying off debts their ex-partner built up in their name  

What can you do?

If someone you care about is being abused, or if you think that they might be, it might feel difficult to know how to support them. You may wonder whether you have misread the situation or whether you have a good reason to be concerned. It may be difficult to know what you should do or say to help. But spotting the signs of economic abuse and offering a supportive response could save a life. 

Survivors have told us that just being there and listening to what is happening and what they need, can make all the difference. It’s important to be led by your loved one, as she will know what is and isn’t safe for her. 

Offering support 

• Express concern: Don’t ask too many questions but say that help is available and that they are not alone.  
• Believe them: Take time to listen. Recognise that it may take time to act and don’t force a response. 
• Follow their lead: They are the experts in their situation, and it is important to follow their lead before taking any steps. 
• Provide practical help: Offer a spare room or provide essential items, like food, clothing and toiletries. Help sort out an action plan.  
• Have information about domestic abuse services to hand, such as the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247, run by Refuge. Surviving Economic Abuse has information on available support, including how professionals like the police and banks can help.

Last updated November 2025

Further support 

If someone you know is experiencing economic abuse, they are not alone. We have information that can support them to take steps towards safety and begin to regain control of their finances.