Nearly one million UK women trapped with a dangerous abuser because of economic abuse

New research by the charity Surviving Economic Abuse uncovers how domestic abusers are controlling the money and belongings of UK women to trap them. Nearly a quarter of victim-survivors were prevented from leaving a dangerous partner because of the economic abuse – equivalent to around 940,000 women. 

Nearly 3,000 UK women, a nationally representative sample surveyed by Ipsos on behalf of the charity, were asked about their experiences of economic abuse from a current or former partner in the last 12 months.  

The survey found that one in seven UK women experienced economic abuse from a current or former partner – equivalent to 4.1 million women. Shockingly, Black, Asian and racially minoritised women were over twice as likely to experience economic abuse than White women. While disabled women were just less than twice as likely to experience economic abuse than non-disabled women. 

Economic abuse is a devastating form of domestic abuse. It involves a current or ex-partner controlling a victim-survivor’s money and the things that money can buy with long-lasting and damaging effects. The charity found that of the UK women who had experienced economic abuse in the last 12 months: 

• Over a third (36%) experienced mental ill health, including depression, panic attacks, or suicidal thoughts – equivalent to 1.5 million women  
• One in five (19%) had to borrow money to cover the cost of essential items or bills – equivalent to 772,000 women 
• One in ten (11%) ended up homeless – equivalent to around 470,000 women 

Perpetrators trap victim-survivors with them by controlling their access to cash and creating financial instability that makes it harder for them to flee. Even when survivors manage to leave, the abuser’s ongoing economic abuse and its harmful impact means many are forced to return to the abuser or face homelessness and destitution. 

The research revealed that economic abuse does not happen in isolation of other forms of domestic abuse. Over a quarter (27%) of women who experienced economic abuse also had a partner or ex-partner threaten to hurt or kill them. 

Alarmingly, despite the devastating impact of economic abuse, 42% of UK women who experienced economic abuse did not seek any help, information or advice. Of which, one in five disclosed that this was because they didn’t think anything could help.  

To mark Economic Abuse Awareness Day, Surviving Economic Abuse is shining a spotlight on this hidden crisis and calling on the government to break the cycle of economic abuse, so victim-survivors get the support they need and abusers are stopped in their tracks.  

Anastasia* was with her abusive partner for over a decade. He controlled her entire life including what she ate and her access to money and essential items. She lived in constant fear because of his threats to harm her and her children. Even after they separated, the abuse continued.  

“I had no control over my own life. He made me go to bed with my kids at 7.30pm. He never bought any food for me and the kids. My sister used to make my clothes. He took my possessions and clothing and sold them behind my back. He made constant threats to harm me and my kids. I was living in fear all the time. 

“It’s really difficult to describe. To be so completely powerless. I can’t explain what it’s like, it’s overwhelming. You start to go through periods of depression. Not being able to provide for your children, relying on someone else. Even buying stuff like sanitary towels or things like food. 

“Now I’m barely surviving. I lost my house and have since had to move over 30 times. I have developed multiple long term health conditions and have complex PTSD. This abuse tore my family apart and I have no economic or housing stability.” 

Sam Smethers, Interim CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse, said: “No one should feel trapped with an abusive partner because they cannot afford to flee and don’t think anyone can help. Yet our new research shows that in the last year, nearly a million UK women were prevented from escaping a dangerous partner because of their experience of economic abuse. 

“Time and time again, we hear from victim-survivors who are living in fear for their lives yet don’t have control over their bank account or enough money for a train ticket to flee. While for those who manage to escape, the abuser often leaves them drowning in debt and homeless, making it impossible for them to rebuild their lives and provide for their children. 

“This Economic Abuse Awareness Day, we want every victim-survivor to know that you are not alone, there is help out there. That’s why we’re raising awareness of how to spot the signs of economic abuse and access help so whoever you speak to, you get a good response.  

“But to break the cycle of domestic abuse once and for all, the government must put tackling economic abuse at the heart of its strategy to halve violence against women and girls in a decade. It’s the only way to help survivors and their children escape and safely rebuild their lives.” 

Gene Feder, Professor of Primary Care at the University of Bristol and the Director of VISION, says the consortium, which funded this work, was delighted to support the charity’s vitally important new study: “It powerfully shows the harms of economic abuse and how it can even lead to victim-survivors becoming homeless. The study reveals dramatic inequalities, with minoritised women twice as likely to be victim-survivors.  

“This is a call for action from the government, but also for action from banks to recognise the signs of economic abuse and have processes in place to help survivors.” 

Robin Bulloch, Chief Executive Officer, TSB, said: “Over the past two years TSB’s Emergency Flee Fund has helped almost 450 of our customers escape an abusive situation – nearly half of whom were fleeing with children.  

“The feedback from TSB colleagues providing this support demonstrates that this is a crucial initiative, and I would encourage all employers to play their part in helping combat this social and economic crisis.” 

If someone you care about is being abused, or you think they might be, Surviving Economic Abuse has information on some of the signs to look out for and what you can do to help: 

1. Look out for warning signs 

• Are they short of money or unable to buy inexpensive items even if they work? Have they asked to borrow money to pay bills or for essential items?  
• Do they say their partner deals with all money matters? Are their wages or benefits paid directly into their partner’s account?  
• Are they counting the pennies, or seeking their partner’s permission before making any purchases?  
• Have they left their work when they liked their job? Do they make excuses to not join friends for coffee and meals out?  
• Do they wear ill-fitting or worn-out clothing? Do they not have the money to get their hair done or buy personal items?  

2. How to offer support 

• Express concern – don’t ask too many questions, but say help is available and that they are not alone.  
• Believe them – take time to listen and recognise it may take time to act.  
• Provide practical help – offer a spare room or provide essential items like food, clothing and toiletries.  
• 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 have information on available support, including how professionals like the police and banks can help: Surviving Economic Abuse | I need help 

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. All figures are from an Ipsos survey for Surviving Economic Abuse of 2,849 women across the UK, of whom 437 reported experiencing economic abuse in the past 12 months. The survey was conducted online from Friday 25 October – Friday 1 November 2024. Results have been weighted to be representative of UK women. Population extrapolations have been calculated by Ipsos using ONS Annual Population Survey for 2024 (July 2023 – June 2024). 
2. Funded by the VISION consortium, the purpose of Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA)’s Rapid Impact Survey is to generate new data to support improved measurement of this form of violence, and to increase understanding of the impact of economic abuse interventions. Read the preliminary findings here.

About VISION 

This work was supported by the VISION consortium, which is funded by the UK Prevention Research Partnership, an initiative funded by UK Research and Innovation Councils, the Department of Health and Social Care (England) and the UK devolved administrations, and leading health research charities. 

About TSB 

TSB launched its Emergency Flee Fund in December 2022 and has helped 445 customers with emergency payments to date. The scheme provides up to £500 to victims in a moment of crisis – and it is available to TSB customers in branch and via video banking.