On Friday 26 September, the Prime Minister announced a new digital ID scheme.

Responding to the announcement, CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse, Sam Smethers said: “A compulsory digital ID could hand domestic abusers yet another weapon of control to trap survivors. It risks giving them terrifying new powers to track, monitor, and cut off victim-survivors from work, housing, healthcare, and ultimately freedom, making it even harder for survivors to flee to safety. The risks are even greater for migrant survivors who already face increased barriers to work and services, and fewer options for escape.

“For domestic abuse survivors, this isn’t greater security, it’s enhanced perpetrator surveillance. To stop digital ID from becoming a tool of economic abuse, the government must work with domestic abuse experts to build survivor safety into the design from day one. If it’s serious about halving violence against women and girls, the government cannot afford to get this wrong.”

ENDS

For further information or to arrange an interview with a spokesperson, please contact the Surviving Economic Abuse press office on [email protected] / 07786 073249