Everybody has the right to control their own personal finances. Sometimes financial and economic abuse may be wrapped up in what appears to be a ‘normal’ relationship, making it extremely difficult for both the victim and those around them to recognise the signs.

Hannah Bickley, Associate Director and Deputy Head of Family Law at Broudie Jackson Canter, explained some of the warning signs to look out for. She said:

“The control of finances can be just as demoralising and as painful as physical abuse. The reason that economic abuse is so difficult to recognise is because it is a subtle form of abuse that often increases over time. It may start with a happy event in the relationship, such as the birth of a child or marriage, but could result in a vicious and deliberate pattern of behaviour designed to remove the victim’s independence.

Economic abuse is not limited to women

“Many victims of economic abuse may appear to the outsider to be ‘well off’. They may live in a nice home and drive an expensive car. They may live in a nice home and drive an expensive car however, the reality of the situation may be different. They may be denied access to things, their spending may be monitored, and they may not have access to their own bank account. In fact, people in higher-income households are equally as vulnerable but much less likely to be believed.”

Women’s Aid surveyed 126 survivors of economic abuse from all backgrounds and found that 71% went without essentials because they didn’t have enough money, 61% were in debt because of financial abuse, 37% had a bad credit rating as a result and 52% of those living with an abuser said they had no money so they could not leave.

Hannah added:

“It is important to note that financial and economic abuse is not limited to women.

“A lot of people experiencing financial abuse will simply not realise that they are a victim.  The fact that they hide cash to spend on themselves or avoid asking their partner questions about finances may now be second nature to them. Perpetrators of economic abuse exercise a significant level of control over their victims, restricting their movements and keeping tabs, and as this behaviour progresses over time the victim may not believe that other relationships are any different.

“If your partner is taking out credit agreements in your name, gambling family assets without permission or splashing out on luxuries when you are unable to meet your basic needs, something is wrong.

For victims of economic abuse, there is always a way out

“For those who do realise that they are a victim it can still be very difficult to leave their abusive partner. They may feel that they are financially unable to do so. They will likely be dependent on their partner and worry that if they leave they will not be able to meet their basic needs, such as food and clothing. This fear may also be heightened if the parties have children.

“The perpetrator may refuse to pay child maintenance, blackmail the victim or try to destroy their reputation, job prospects and ability to re-house.

“It is important for victims to know that there is always a way out.”

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