To mark 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence and celebrate the pioneering work of charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA), Her Majesty The Queen welcomed victim-survivors and leading experts to a special reception at Clarence House.
Her Majesty has long championed the voices of those impacted by domestic abuse, working closely with the violence against women and girls (VAWG) sector to shine a spotlight on hidden forms of harm. This reception was a powerful continuation of that commitment.
Guests included SEA Ambassadors, members of the Experts by Experience Group – a group of women with lived experience of economic abuse who inform all the charity’s work and speak about what they have gone through so that they can be a force for change – alongside specialists from across government, financial services, and the VAWG sector. Together, they highlighted the urgent need to tackle this devastating form of domestic abuse.
Economic abuse affects millions. In the past year alone, 4.2 million women in the UK experienced a partner or ex-partner controlling their money, housing, employment, or even food. Survivors often remain trapped with dangerous abusers, and many continue to face abuse long after separation through coerced debts, joint mortgages, and manipulation of legal systems and public services, such as the Child Maintenance Service.
SEA is the only charity in the UK dedicated to raising awareness of economic abuse and transforming responses to it. As a result of the influencing efforts of SEA, the Government named and defined economic abuse in law and extended the controlling or coercive behaviour offence to apply post-separation in the Domestic Abuse Act (2021).
This reception was not only a celebration of progress but also a call to action: to put a spotlight on economic abuse to ensure survivors are heard, supported, and empowered to rebuild their lives free from abuse.
Sam Smethers, CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse, said: “Economic abuse is a devastating form of coercive control that traps victim-survivors with dangerous abusers. By bringing together survivors and experts, Her Majesty The Queen has shone a light on the often-hidden harms of economic abuse.
“We were delighted that Her Majesty was able to speak to the survivors we work alongside directly, listening closely to their stories about the long-lasting damage caused by this form of domestic abuse. This reception not only honours the women who share their lived experiences but also reinforces the urgent need for systemic change so that no survivor is trapped by economic abuse.
“We at Surviving Economic Abuse are proud to stand alongside Her Majesty in enhancing understanding of economic abuse and transforming awareness into action. Together, we will help save lives and stop economic abuse forever.”
Dr Bijna Kotak Dasani MBE, SEA Ambassador and a survivor of economic abuse, said: “Meeting with Queen Camilla at Clarence House was profoundly meaningful. Over the past decade, the UK has taken major steps forward – formally recognising economic abuse in law, extending protections post-separation, and driving reforms that are now influencing countries around the world. Yet the scale remains stark: one in six women experienced economic abuse in the last year, and 3.9 million children are living in affected households.
“With 25 years of experience in global financial markets, I have endeavoured to utilise my knowledge to support reform through an informed lens – strengthening financial-sector responses, shaping policy, and helping build systems that prevent abusers from weaponising money. It has been a privilege to turn pain into purpose at a time when legislative progress is finally taking hold.
“Her Majesty’s engagement brings vital momentum. As a national role model, her influence and commitment amplify this issue, strengthening the mandate for change and offering hope to survivors everywhere.”
Natalie Curtis, SEA Ambassador and a survivor of economic abuse, said: “Domestic abuse is such a complex subject, when we talk about economic abuse, that’s another barrier for many women leaving. And for Her Majesty The Queen to be so empathetic, caring and show her support for victims and survivors means the world to the likes of me and others. I think it’s such a privilege to be able to come to Clarence House and for her to hear first-hand what incredible work SEA do. It’s life-changing and life-saving.”
Despite its scale, half of UK adults report they don’t know anything about the term “economic abuse”. Survivors are more than three times more likely to say they had sought information, help or advice from a friend, family member or new partner (39%) than a community organisation, charity or specialist service (11%), indicating that friends and family are key to recognising economic abuse and helping someone to safety.
To mark Economic Abuse Awareness Day last month, SEA partnered with TSB to launch the Spotting the Signs Challenge, an interactive tool designed to teach people how to recognise when someone might be experiencing economic abuse and provide a supportive response.
ENDS
For further information or to arrange an interview with a victim-survivor or SEA spokesperson, please contact the Surviving Economic Abuse press office on: [email protected] / 07786 073249
