Domestic Violence Awareness Month: 6 warning signs of financial abuse

Around one in five adults experience domestic abuse during their lifetime. And while the impact of physical and emotional abuse is well-recognised and often spoken about, there’s less awareness around financial abuse, even though it can be as equally devastating.

Research shows that up to 99% of domestic abuse cases involve financial abuse. Abusers use financial abuse to trap their victims in the relationship, making it harder for them to leave or seek help.

Financial abuse can also have long-lasting effects on someone’s life, even after they have left the abusive relationship. Victims may struggle with debt, poor credit scores, and difficulty finding employment or housing because of what their abuser has done to them.

Victims aren’t alone. We’ve provided free debt and benefits support, and referrals for housing and foodbank help, to more than 1,000 victims of domestic and economic abuse in the past 12 months.

To mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’ve pulled together six signs of financial abuse and what to do if you recognise any of these red flags.

1. Your partner controls all the finances

One of the most obvious signs of financial control is when your partner insists on handling all the money. They might do this by demanding that your salary is paid into their bank account. Or prevent you from having your own bank account or credit card. They could even make you ask for money or an "allowance". If you find yourself in this situation, it's important to remember that you have a right to financial independence.

2. Your partner monitors your spending

Another warning sign is when your partner closely monitors your spending. This could include things like demanding to see receipts for everything you buy, questioning you about small purchases or accusing you of wasting money. This level of scrutiny is not normal or healthy in a relationship. If you're dealing with this, know that you're not alone and that help is available through charities like Refuge or Women’s Aid.

3. Your partner stops you from working

“Abusers often try to stop their partners from working as a way to maintain financial control. As well as stopping you from getting a job, they could also sabotage your work by showing up at your workplace or calling constantly and might make you feel guilty for wanting to work. Remember, having a job is an important part of financial independence. If your partner is preventing you from working, it's a red flag for financial abuse.”

4. Your partner withholds money for basic needs

In some cases, abusers will withhold money for basic needs like food, clothing, or medication. This is a way to exert power and control. No one deserves to be denied basic necessities.

5. Your partner forces you to hand over your pay

If your partner demands that you hand over your pay, it's a clear sign of financial control. It might seem romantic at first when your partner insists on a joint bank account, but it can quickly turn into taking control of your whole salary and denying you access to it. This isn’t acceptable in a healthy relationship. Your money is yours, and you have a right to decide how it's used.

6. Your partner has secret financial dealings

Finally, watch out for secret financial dealings. Your partner should not make large purchases without telling you. It is also wrong for them to hide bank statements or bills or get angry if you ask about money. Secrecy around money is often a sign that something isn't right. If you suspect your partner is hiding financial information, it's important to investigate further.

Mercedes Dawson, our head of vulnerable training said: “If you recognise any of these warning signs in your relationship, know that you're not alone. Financial abuse is never acceptable, and there is support available to help you break free. Seek specialist advice from domestic abuse charities. And remember never fear not having enough money to leave. Speak to someone like us who will liaise with your debtors to see if they’re willing to wipe off the debt or find another solution for you. There’s also lots of benefits and money support available to help people get back on their feet.”