From strategy to delivery on economic abuse

Sam Smethers, Chief Executive Officer, Surviving Economic Abuse | TSB

Last month, the government published its long-awaited Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy. For the first time, it includes commit­ments to tackle economic abuse. This marks a significant moment for the 4.2 million women in the UK whose lives have been devastated by this hidden form of domestic abuse.

Economic abuse is a form of coercive control when a current or ex-partner controls a victim-survivor’s money and economic resources. Abusers use it to trap women in dangerous situations and to continue the abuse long after separation. It can happen to anyone, but Black and minoritised women, disabled women, younger women and mothers experience it at significantly higher rates. If the government is to meet its ambition to halve VAWG within a decade, addressing economic abuse is essential.

The strategy recognises this reality, committing to action on issues survivors consistently tell us cause the greatest harm: coerced debt, joint mortgage abuse, damaged credit scores, and ongoing abuse through the Child Maintenance Service and family courts. But a strategy on paper does not change lives. Action does. Delivery must be robust, shaped with survivors and specialist organisa­tions, and backed by clear accountability.

Crucially, the strategy also recognises the role of financial services. At Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA), we have worked for years alongside banks, regulators and industry bodies to transform responses to economic abuse. Initiatives such as TSB’s Flee Fund – supporting customers and colleagues to escape an abuser – show what is possible when firms step up. The VAWG Strategy, alongside the Treasury’s Financial Inclusion Strategy, provides a real opportunity to tackle systemic issues, from joint finan­cial products being weaponised by abusers to restoring survivors’ credit files.

Prevention and awareness are equally vital. Only half of the public knows what economic abuse is, yet survivors who recognise it are far more likely to seek help. That is why, ahead of Economic Abuse Awareness Day, we partnered with TSB to launch the Spotting the Signs Challenge, helping people recognise red flags and respond safely. Awareness can save lives. As one survivor said, “I wish someone had recognised it for what it was. Just knowing someone sees what’s happening can make all the difference.

During the 16 Days of Activism, we were also honoured to be welcomed by Her Majesty The Queen at Clarence House to celebrate SEA’s work. Bringing survivors and banks together, Her Majesty described SEA’s approach as “the way forward.”

As we begin a new year, this momen­tum must not be lost. Parliamentarians have a vital role to play in raising aware­ness, supporting constituents to access specialist help, and ensuring the VAWG and Financial Inclusion strategies deliver lasting, meaningful change. Together, we can support survivors to rebuild their lives, disrupt perpetrators, and prevent economic abuse for good.

How to spot the signs of economic abuse

• Are their wages or benefits paid into their partner’s account?
• Have they left a job they enjoyed or stopped socialising?
• Has their partner coerced them into taking out loans in their name?
• Is their partner refusing to pay their share of the rent or council tax despite being able to afford to do so?
• Is their ex-partner withholding child maintenance?
• Is their ex-partner refusing to end joint finances after separating, such as a joint mortgage or bank account?

How can you help

If someone you care about, or a constituent, is experiencing economic abuse, here are practical steps you can take:

• Reassure and validate
  Let them know they are not alone, the abuse is not their fault, and help is available.
• Ensure immediate safety
  If they are at risk of harm, call 999.
• Signpost to specialist support
  Refer them to local domestic abuse services and share resources from Surviving Economic Abuse: www.survivingeconomicabuse.org/i-need-help
• Sharehelpline details
  Refuge runs the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247. If they are in financial difficulty, direct them to Money Advice Plus’s Financial Support Line: www.moneyadviceplus.org.uk/fsl

Share SEA and TSB’s Spotting the Signs Challenge to help people learn more about economic abuse, start a conversation, and save lives.

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