It can be difficult to recognise economic abuse. These questions may help you identify if you’ve been affected:

• Are you prevented from working, studying, or attending interviews?
• Are you made to explain or justify every expense?
• Are your receipts, bank statements or spending habits constantly monitored?
• Are your bank cards, account logins or PINs withheld from you?
• Is money meant for bills used elsewhere without your knowledge?
• Are your belongings stolen, damaged or destroyed?
• Does your partner/spouse control all financial decisions?
• Are you required to ask permission before making even small purchases?
• Are financial decisions made without your input—like buying a house or car?
• Are debts or loans taken out in your name?
• Has your partner stolen from you or used your bank card without consent?
• Are child maintenance payments withheld to punish or control you?
• Have you been dragged into costly legal proceedings that you can’t afford?

If any of these feel familiar, you may be experiencing economic abuse. You’re not alone. Research by Refuge and The Co-operative (2020) found that 16% of UK adults have faced economic abuse—60% of whom are women.