Over a third (36%) of young women (16-24) across the UK are experiencing economic abuse, many before they have even reached adulthood, according to shocking new research released today by Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA). [1] The consequences of this economic abuse can be severe and far-reaching, with half (50%) of those experiencing it reporting negative impacts to their mental health, such as depression, panic attacks, self-harm or suicidal thoughts. [2]

The research, conducted by Ipsos UK on behalf of the charity, found that 36% of girls and 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. Disturbingly, almost one in three of all girls aged 16-18 (31%) reported experiencing economic abuse from a current or former partner in the previous 12 months. In many cases, the economic abuse started almost immediately, with nearly one in five (17%) of 16-18-year-olds saying that it began within the first month of the relationship, more than double the rate of women aged 22-24 (8%). [3]

Almost one in five of all respondents (18%) said a current or former partner pressured them to give them money in the last 12 months. [4] One in five of all respondents were made to buy their current or former partner things they did not want to buy, while 17% said the abuser deliberately destroyed or damaged their belongings or property. [5] One in ten (12%) experienced a current or former partner controlling, or attempting to control, their access to mobile payment accounts. [6] The abuse extended far beyond finances. Shockingly, among the 36% of young women who experienced economic abuse, more than a quarter (27%) said their current or former partner prevented them from working, studying or training – equivalent to 346,000 young women. [7]

The research reveals how economic abuse can begin early and escalate quickly, disrupting the years when young people would typically be gaining qualifications, entering the workforce and establishing their financial independence. Among those who had experienced economic abuse, respondents reported this abuse as having a range of impacts, including:

• Half (50%) reported negative impacts on their mental health, such as anxiety, depression, panic attacks, self-harm or suicidal thoughts. [8]
• One in 10 (10%) became homeless, including being moved into temporary accommodation like a refuge, sofa-surfing or staying with friends or family. [9]
• Two in five (42%) became isolated from friends, family, their social networks or community. [10]
• Over a third (36%) were unable to leave the relationship. [11]

If the Government is to halve violence against women and girls within a decade, preventing economic abuse in the next generation must be central to this work. SEA is urging the Government to ensure young people, families and educators are equipped to recognise economically abusive behaviours early and challenge harmful attitudes.

Sam Smethers, CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse, said: “Our research shows that millions of teenage women and girls are being controlled, isolated and manipulated by abusive partners, often from the earliest days in a relationship. Worryingly, half report adverse impacts on their mental health. Parents, teachers and education professionals need to recognise the warning signs early. Challenging harmful behaviours before they escalate could make a life-changing difference.

“One of the first things we want to hear from the next Prime Minister is a renewed commitment to halving violence against women and girls in a decade and a recognition that economic abuse remains a national emergency and a top priority for this government.”

One survivor, Gabby*, experienced economic abuse throughout a relationship spanning her late teens and early twenties. After sharing a joint bank account and property with her partner, she was left covering the mortgage, bills and debts while he repeatedly stole her money and refused to contribute financially. Speaking about her experience, Gabby said: 

“I had no understanding at the time of what economic abuse was. I thought sharing finances and paying for everything was simply part of being in a relationship, especially when you’re young and trying to build a life together. My parents thought I was paying for everything because they had brought me up to be kind and supportive. None of us recognised that I was being controlled.

“Nobody had ever spoken to me about economic abuse or how it can affect your future. Looking back, I often think things could have been very different if I’d known what to look out for, or if the adults around me had understood the signs too.

“Young people are encouraged to move in together, share finances and plan their futures, but very little is discussed about what happens when it all goes wrong. I think parents, schools and young people need to talk about economic abuse much more openly because it can start at such a young age.”

To support this work, the charity is encouraging families to take part in the Spotting the Signs Challenge, an interactive educational tool to help people recognise the signs of economic abuse and confidently signpost loved ones to support.

SEA, in partnership with Durham University Centre for Research into Violence and Abuse and Tender, has also produced the Shifting the Dial toolkit, which provides resources and lesson plans for teachers and practitioners to safely challenge controlling behaviours before they become normalised and educate young people about economic abuse and how to build respectful relationships.

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

Notes to editors:  

1. Figures are from research carried out by Ipsos UK on behalf of Surviving Economic Abuse and Which?. On behalf of Surviving Economic Abuse, Ipsos UK surveyed a quota sample of 1,992 women aged 16-24 in the UK on the iSay panel online. This included n=625 women aged 16-18, n=662 women aged 19-21, and n=705 women aged 22-24. The samples achieved are representative of the populations with quotas on age, region, and ethnic minority. The data has been weighted to the known population on these same metrics. Fieldwork was conducted between 13th – 30th March 2026.
2. Read the full list of footnotes here.
3. In order to understand the prevalence and forms of economic abuse, the survey asked: Have you yourself experienced any of the following behaviours from a partner or ex-partner in the last 12 months? See the full list of behaviours here.