About this guide
Information about economic abuse, financial control, debt created by another person and safer routes to support.
What economic abuse can look like
Economic abuse can include controlling access to money, bank accounts, benefits, housing, credit, employment or transport. It can also include taking money, creating debt in someone's name, preventing access to work or benefits, or refusing essential household contributions.
GOV.UK — DOMESTIC ABUSE GUIDANCEEconomic abuse is recognised in law
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises economic abuse as a form of domestic abuse. It can happen during a relationship or continue after separation.
STATUTORY DOMESTIC ABUSE GUIDANCEImmediate safety
If you are in immediate danger, call 999. If you cannot speak on a mobile 999 call, GOV.UK explains the Silent Solution process, including pressing 55 when prompted.
DOMESTIC ABUSE — HOW TO GET HELPProtect financial information where safe
If it is safe to do so, consider changing passwords and PINs, checking your credit file, protecting important documents, telling the bank about suspected abuse and keeping evidence of debts or transactions you did not authorise.
Specialist support
Specialist domestic-abuse and economic-abuse organisations can help with safety planning, banking problems, debt and financial independence. Do not make changes that could increase risk without considering safety.
SURVIVING ECONOMIC ABUSERFTUK DOMESTIC ABUSE & SAFETY