One in six people have suffered economic abuse in a relationship, study reveals
The true scale of economic abuse within relationships is revealed for the first time, as it is enshrined in law for the first time
More than one in six (16 per cent) of people say they have been victims of economic abuse in a current or past relationship, a study has found.
The research, based on 4,000 people, found they had seen a partner restrict their income, misuse their joint or personal funds, control their spending or incur debts without their consent.
Economic abuse has been recognised as domestic abuse for the first time under proposed laws currently before Parliament.
The research, by Refuge and the Cooperative Bank, suggested the figures could be higher because a further 23 per cent said they had experienced “economically abusive behaviour” in a current or previous relationship.
Economic abuse most commonly begins early on in a relationship (cited by 18 per cent), but other key milestones can trigger it – such as moving in together (16 per cent), getting married (12 per cent), or at the point a couple formally joins their finances (eight per cent).
Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) said they experienced economically abusive behaviour from former partners during and after separation, such as damage or theft of property, or spending money from a joint account without consent.
Some three per cent said they had seen the economic abuse begin during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The report recommended reform of the welfare benefits systems with automatic separate payments of universal credit to current and past victims of economic abuse as well as advances for those fleeing abuse partners.
It also urged banks to create clear processes for customers who are in debt as a result of economic abuse to inform the bank of their circumstances, be supported by well-trained staff and have that debt burden reduced wherever possible.
The bill also confirms for the first time a ban on economic abuse where a victim’s access to money, food, transport or employment is limited by an abuser.
The Government is also proposing a new statutory duty on local authorities to provide support to victims and their children in refuges and other safe accommodation.
The bill is currently before the Lords, having been passed by the Commons.
Lisa King, of Refuge, said: “Economic abuse rarely occurs in isolation, and is frequently experienced alongside physical, sexual, or psychological abuse.
“Refuge is greatly concerned that such a low percentage of people recognise the signs of economic abuse, meaning there are people who simply don’t realise it is happening to them.”