What is Economic Abuse?
Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse. It involves controlling a person’s access to financial resources, limiting their economic independence, or restricting their ability to make financial decisions. It can occur alongside other forms of abusive behaviour.
Economic abuse can add barriers to leaving an abusive relationship. The impacts often include financial dependence, reduced earning capacity, housing instability, and long-term debt. Recognising indicators early is essential for effective safeguarding and support planning.
Examples of economic abuse include:
- Restricting access to bank accounts, cash, or welfare benefits
- Preventing or sabotaging employment or education
- Monitoring, controlling, or limiting spending
- Withholding contributions to shared household costs
- Accruing debt in the victim’s name, including coerced debt
Spotting the signs of economic abuse
Economic abuse can be hidden and difficult for victims to name. Professionals play an important role in noticing early signs and creating safe opportunities for disclosure.
Below are indicators that may suggest someone is experiencing economic abuse. These signs should always be considered within a wider safeguarding context.
- Say they do not have access to their bank card, account, or financial information
- Say that they need to ask permission before spending money
- Avoiding or missing appointments because someone else controls their transport or schedule
- Having sudden or unexplained debt
- Not having access to their phones, devices, or personal paperwork
- Appearing anxious when talking about money or employment#
- Mentioning loans, credit cards, or contracts they didn’t fully understand or consent too
How to respond safely
The guide below provides advice on how to talk to people about financial abuse.
- Talk in a private space
- Ask open ended questions, such as
“How are things going with money at the moment?”
“Do you feel you have control over your own finances?”
- Validate their experience, by reassuring them that they are not alone.
- Follow your organisations safeguarding procedures and link to specialist support, If you suspect the person is in danger, always call 999.
Support and Referral Pathways
- FearFree (Wiltshire)
Specialist domestic abuse support for adults and families. - Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA)
National charity providing guidance, training, and resources on economic abuse.
Paragon (Swindon)
Domestic abuse support service for adults, children, and young people.
Swindon Women’s Aid (SWA)
Specialist domestic abuse support and safe accommodation.