'Unprecedented' levels of economic domestic abuse in the South East
As many as a million people could be affected, according to new research
Last updated 20th Oct 2020
A new report has shown more than a million people are currently experiencing economic domestic abuse within their relationship in the South East.
The research conducted by leading domestic abuse charity, Refuge, and the Co-Operative Bank shows that almost 1,020,000 people in our region have experienced economic domestic abuse, with 10% of those still experiencing the abuse today.
The Know Economic Abuse report found almost three in ten people have experienced some form of economic abuse in a relationship - with 1.6 million people seeing their abuse begin during the pandemic.
Economic abuse is when someone attempts to control another's ability to get, maintain access to, or use money or other economic resources for a sustained period.
It can include things like stopping someone from working, taking someone's money, preventing someone accessing their own or a joint bank account, or putting debts in their name.
The report claims that for 3% of all UK adults economic abuse began during the pandemic, which correlates with a broader increase in other forms of domestic abuse as a result of lockdown.
Research shows that for one in three of those who first experienced economic abuse during the Covid-19 crisis, their partner first became abusive when their pay decreased as a result of lockdown.
Lesley McFearson, who's from the Co-Operative Bank, told us how they spot the signs of economic abuse:
" For example if someone comes into the branch and is always accompanied by someone else, a change in their demeanour.
"And also we would look for any unusual transactions, but in the first instance we would encourage those who have concerns to step forward confidently and know that their issues would be discussed in complete confidence."
She added that some bank staff are trained to deal specifically with victims of domestic abuse:
"Banks have a big role to play both in helping to identify the triggers of economic abuse and treating survivors differently, helping them tackle some of the problems that they may have incurred whether that's long-term debt or other issues."
Ellie Butt, who's from Refuge, explained that the economic abuse can often just be the tip of the iceberg:
"I think it's important to remember, and it's something our research shows, that economic abuse rarely exists on it's own and 85% of the people we surveyed who said they'd experienced economic abuse had also experienced other forms like physical, sexual and emotional forms of domestic abuse."
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse you can call the national helpline on 0808 2000 247.