The Invisible Chains: Understanding and Recognising Economic Abuse

When we discuss domestic abuse, the focus is often, understandably, on physical violence. However, recent data has cast a stark light on another, equally devastating form of coercion: economic abuse.

A newly launched campaign by the Home Office, in partnership with the charity Surviving Economic Abuse, highlights a deeply concerning lack of awareness regarding financial control. The 'Enough' campaign aims to tackle this issue head-on, revealing shocking statistics about how certain demographics perceive financial behaviours within relationships.

The Generational Blind Spot

Research conducted by Ipsos UK has exposed significant gaps in recognising controlling behaviours, particularly among younger generations. The findings show that nearly one in five young men, aged 18 to 24, do not consider controlling someone's spending to be a form of abuse. This means they are three times less likely to recognise this behaviour as abusive compared to men aged 45 to 54.

Furthermore, 19% of men in the 18-24 age bracket stated they did not recognise controlling access to a personal bank account as abuse. Younger men were also four times less likely to identify taking out credit in a partner's name without consent as abusive.

The Four Pillars of Economic Abuse

While 94% of men can identify at least one economically abusive behaviour, only 65% of all UK adults can identify financial abuse in all its forms. To combat this, major UK banks, including Monzo, TSB, Metro Bank, Santander, Revolut, and HSBC, have joined the government's initiative.

Campaign adverts will appear in banking apps and physical branches, specifically highlighting four key forms of economic abuse:

• Restricting an individual's ability to earn.

• Running up debts in someone else's name.

• Controlling someone's money.

• Misusing payment references to harass a victim.

In a proactive step, banks are also implementing technology to detect and block abusive messages sent through payment references during online money transfers.

The Devastating Impact

Natalie Fleet, the minister for safeguarding and violence against women and girls, emphasised that while economic abuse may not leave visible bruises, its impact is just as devastating. It is a systematic tool used by abusers to exert power, isolating victims and controlling every aspect of their lives.

Sam Smethers, CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse, stated that these tactics trap survivors in dangerous situations and make it significantly harder for them to safely escape and rebuild their lives. Economic abuse is a criminal offence under the controlling or coercive behaviour provisions of the Serious Crime Act 2015, yet it remains frequently misunderstood.

Seeking Support

As family law professionals, we regularly witness the lasting impact that such abuse can have on individuals and their families. It is vital to recognise the signs, challenge harmful attitudes, and understand that controlling someone's financial independence is abuse, plain and simple.

If you or someone you know is experiencing economic abuse, it is crucial to seek professional support. Legal avenues and protective measures are available to help you regain your independence and secure your future.