Recognising Economic Abuse As Domestic Abuse

• Published date: 19 November 2020
• Subject Matter: Finance and Banking, Financial Services
• Law Firm: Veale Wasbrough Vizards
• Author: Samantha Hickman

The Domestic Abuse Bill, which is currently before Parliament, will for the first time identify Economic Abuse as a form of Domestic Abuse.

This is particularly important for recognising that abuse can take place in many forms and ensuring that victims are properly supported and protected.

What is Economic Abuse?

Economic Abuse means any behaviour that has a substantial adverse effect on a person's ability to acquire, use or maintain money or other property, or obtain goods and services. It is a type of coercive control as it limits the victim's freedom.

Examples of Economic Abuse include the perpetrator:

• preventing a partner from working or training
• holding assets in their sole name and denying their partner information about their finances
• ensuring their partner's salary is paid into an account that only the perpetrator has access to
• controlling how money is spent and questioning their partner in respect of any spending

It can also take many other forms.

As with other forms of Domestic Abuse, this can cause much emotional and psychological distress to the person suffering the abuse. Without financial means to support themselves, the victim can often feel like there is no way out of the relationship.

What Can You Do If You Are Suffering From Economic Abuse?

1. Talk to someone you trust

While this is the first step, it will in many cases be the most difficult. Some will find it easier to talk to friends and family while others will find it easier to confide in someone they do not know such as a domestic abuse telephone line or a solicitor. Either way, it is important that you are open and honest about the situation.

2. Contact the police

Usually, Economic Abuse does not...