“For the first time, the strategy includes economic abuse – but commitments alone won’t change lives”

Today, the government launched it’s Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy, setting out its plans to halve VAWG in a decade.

Sam Smethers, CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse, said: “We welcome the government’s ambition to tackle the root causes of violence against women and girls and stop abusers before they cause harm. This must include challenging the harmful attitudes and behaviours that drive economic abuse, which disproportionately affects young women. However, this mustn’t be the only focus of this mission. Four million UK women are experiencing economic abuse, and they must not be sidelined.

“For the first time, the Violence Against Women and Girls strategy includes commitments to tackle economic abuse, including joint mortgage abuse, coerced debt and the impact on credit scores and family court reform. Economic abuse is a hidden form of domestic abuse used by perpetrators to trap victim-survivors in dangerous circumstances and control them long after separation. Closing off opportunities for abusers and supporting survivors to achieve safety and security is essential if the government is to halve VAWG within a decade.

“But commitments alone won’t change lives. Raising awareness without investment will only increase demand while frontline services remain in crisis. These services must be properly and sustainably funded so survivors can access the support they need – otherwise, what message does that send to victim-survivors?

“Alongside long-term funding for specialist services, including ring-fenced support for organisations run by and for minoritised women, the strategy must deliver stronger protections for migrant survivors, so no one is left behind. It will only succeed if delivered with survivors and specialist organisations, backed by robust accountability and transparent progress checks. Only then can the government truly support survivors, disrupt abusers, and prevent violence against women and girls.”

ENDS

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