SEA announces new partnership

Recognition that economic control, exploitation and sabotage can be a part of domestic abuse is a key aspect of the Government’s landmark Domestic Abuse Bill. Surviving Economic Abuse is delighted to be working in partnership with the National Skills Academy for Financial Services (NSAFS) and Gentoo to develop and pilot a financial capability training programme for frontline workers in contact with victim-survivors of economic abuse.

The Government’s draft legislation was published on Monday (January 21) creating a statutory definition of domestic abuse and introducing a wide range of additional measures covering protection and support for victims, support for children, improving the law enforcement response, and tackling economic abuse.

Dr Nicola Sharp-Jeffs, Director of Surviving Economic Abuse, comments:

“Naming economic abuse within statue will undoubtedly help bring this form of abuse out of the shadows and will transform responses, ensuring that victim-survivors are able to access the support they so desperately need.”

Chief Executive of NSAFS Peter Pledger said:

“We are delighted to be able to play a significant role in helping realise the ambition of this crucial piece of legislation, working with our partners to bring training to front-line practitioners so they understand the realities of economic abuse and gain the skills and knowledge to provide much-needed help and support to victims in a safe and appropriate way.”

Kelly Henderson, Business Manager Domestic Abuse, Gentoo and Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) Co-founder, said:

“In the last five years, Gentoo has supported over 6,500 customers to manage their finances so we fully understand the important role housing providers can play in helping tenants experiencing economic abuse.

“We are pleased to play a role in this innovative project and hope that, by engaging housing providers further in recognising the signs of economic abuse, we can make a real difference to victims and survivors.”