Recognising the Signs of Economic Abuse in Relationships

Using financial means to manipulate and restrict a partner, economic abuse is a form of control that deprives victims of their independence. Economic abuse often means partners will feel unable to leave the abusive relationship due to financial constraints and a fear of losing their economic stability. This article provides an overview of economic abuse, the signs to watch for, and the legal protections available to help those affected.

Economic abuse, also known as financial abuse, is a form of domestic abuse where one partner controls, exploits, or sabotages the other’s financial resources. This behaviour goes beyond disagreements about money; it aims to dominate and disempower the victim. Examples include withholding funds, preventing the victim from working, or using the victim’s credit or assets without consent.

The abuse extends to controlling decisions about how money is spent, restricting access to bank accounts, or sabotaging a partner’s ability to maintain financial independence, such as damaging their career or credit score.

Recognising financial abuse is critical for taking steps to address it. Common signs include a lack of access to money where the victim is denied access to joint accounts or their own earnings. There can be excessive monitoring where the abuser scrutinises all spending, demanding receipts or justifications. It can also involve preventing the victim from working, taking out loans or credit in the victim’s name without their knowledge, or forcing the victim to hand over control of property, investments, or savings.

Economic abuse is legally recognised as a form of domestic abuse. Financial control often occurs alongside other emotional or physical abuse. Economic abuse can make it particularly difficult for victims to leave abusive relationships as financial insecurity often acts as a significant barrier.

Insists on complete control over household finances. Prevents you from accessing your bank accounts or earnings. Interferes with your ability to work or forces you to quit your job. Coerces you into taking out loans or credit in your name. Sabotages your financial independence by running up debts or damaging your credit score. Withholds financial support for essentials like food, clothing, or healthcare. Uses your financial dependency as a means to control or manipulate you.

Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, domestic abuse is defined to include controlling or coercive behaviour. This can include economic abuse. Coercive control, which includes economic abuse, is a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act 2015 and carries serious legal consequences.

Experienced in addressing economic abuse, our specialist family law solicitors can help you understand your rights and options available to regain control of your financial independence. We can apply for non-molestation orders or occupation orders to prevent further abuse and can also help ensure a fair division of assets during separation or divorce proceedings.

If you suspect you or someone you care about is experiencing economic abuse, don’t hesitate to seek help. Contact our team of family law solicitors for confidential advice and support tailored to your situation.

As leading family lawyers in Milton Keynes, we can help advise you about court ordered protections against abusive partners. In addition to our head office in Milton Keynes, we also have solicitors in Bicester, Watford, and Central London. Talk to us in confidence and find out where you stand. Get in touch – we’re here to help.

This article is intended for the use of our clients and other interested parties. The information contained in it reflects the author’s view and is believed to be correct at the date of publication. However, it is necessarily of a brief and general nature and should not be relied upon as a substitute for specific professional legal advice.