Economic Abuse

Economic abuse can take many forms. An abuser might do any of the following:

Sabotage your income and access to money: 

• prevent you from being in education or employment
  
  
• limit your working hours
  
  
• take your pay
  
  
• refuse to let you claim benefits
  
  
• take children’s savings or birthday money
  
  
• refuse to let you access a bank account 

Restrict how you use money and the things that you own:

• control when and how money is spent
  
  
• dictate what you can buy
  
  
• make you ask for money or provide an allowance
  
  
• check your receipts
  
  
• make you keep a spending diary
  
  
• make you justify every purchase made
  
  
• control the use of property, such as a mobile phone or car
  
  
• insist all economic assets (eg savings, house) are in their name
  
  
• keep financial information secret 

Exploit your economic situation: 

• steal your money or property
  
  
• cause damage to your property
  
  
• refuse to contribute to household costs
  
  
• spend money needed for household items and bills
  
  
• misuse money in joint bank accounts
  
  
• insist all bills, credit cards and loans are in your name and make you pay them
  
  
• build up debt in your name, sometimes without your knowledge 

The Domestic Abuse Act defines economic abuse as any behaviour that has a substantial and adverse effect on an individual’s ability to:

• acquire, use or maintain money or other property (such as a mobile phone or car) or
  
  
• obtain goods (such as food and clothing) or services (such as utilities, like heating)

This type of abuse can continue long after a leaving and can have lifelong effects, preventing victims from rebuilding their lives.

Economic abuse and financial abuse involve similar behaviours, but it can be helpful to think of financial abuse as a subcategory of economic abuse. Economic abuse encompasses the many ways that an abuser may control someone’s economic situation, including employment and housing, for example.

Everyone responds differently to economic and financial abuse – so whatever someone feels is a valid response. But, for lots of people, it can have a long-lasting impact on their feelings and wellbeing.

If you have experienced coercive control and economic abuse of any kind – whether it was recently or a long time ago – HERSANA is here for you. We will listen to you, believe you and create a safe space for you.

We know that it can be hard to approach the topic of abuse with a friend, colleague or family member. It’s important to remember that they may not want to speak to you, or may even react badly to you trying to discuss the situation with them. They also may not recognise what they’re going through as abuse, even if you are sure it is. They may try to play it down or they could defend their partner’s actions. All of these reactions are common from victims of abuse, so whatever you do, make sure to accept your friend, family member or colleague’s reaction and don’t pressure them into talking. Although you may be tempted to try and encourage them to speak or seek professional support, you may have to accept that they are not ready for that step.

If they are ready to talk and confide in you, it’s a good idea to be able to signpost to organisations that can offer professional support as well as offering a listening ear yourself, if you can.

For Black femmes experiencing any form of domestic abuse, including economic abuse, we can offer free and confidential help and advice.

If they are ready to talk and confide in you, it’s a good idea to be able to signpost to organisations that can offer professional support as well as offering a listening ear yourself, if you can.

For Black femmes experiencing any form of domestic abuse, including coercive control, we can offer free and confidential help and advice.