Understanding Financial & Economic Abuse - how does this sit within Domestic Abuse in the UK

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In this blog post, we will look at what domestic abuse is, how it is described in the UK, and how you can protect yourself if you are experiencing it. We’ll also look at financial and economic abuse, as well as what employers can do to support their employees who may be suffering from it.

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Financial and Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse that can affect anyone regardless of gender, sexual orientation, or social status. It occurs when one person has complete control over another person’s finances or economic resources. Unfortunately, financial abuse can go undetected for years until the victim reaches out for help.?

Why is any form of abuse a workplace issue?

8.7 million people report experiencing economic abuse – and 1.6 million saw this begin as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Nearly two out of five UK adults (39%) – approximately 20m people?– have experienced economically abusive behaviour in a current or former relationship, according to a new report launched by The Co-operative Bank and Refuge, the UK’s largest national domestic abuse charity. Despite this, only 16 per cent of people describe, or recognise, their experiences as abuse.

• Research shows that 75% of those enduring domestic abuse are targeted at work.
• Domestic abuse can negatively affect those abused as well as workplace colleagues around them.
• Employers are in a strong position to create a safe and supportive workplace culture. ?

What Is Domestic Abuse?

In general terms, domestic abuse is any form of controlling behaviour or violence between those aged 16 or over within an intimate relationship or family unit. It includes physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, financial and/or economic abuse. This type of abuse can occur between partners but also between family members. It can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender identity or sexual orientation.

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This definition was introduced by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The act also introduced new offences such as “coercive control” which criminalises coercive and controlling behaviour in an intimate relationship or family setting without physical violence being involved.

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What Is Financial Abuse?

Financial abuse is one form of domestic abuse that involves controlling a person’s access to money and resources. It can include controlling access to bank accounts; taking out loans in another person's name without their consent; withholding money; forcing a person to work for no pay; denying basic necessities such as food; and preventing them from working outside of the home.

What Is Economic Abuse?

Economic abuse is similar to financial abuse in that it involves controlling a person’s access to money and resources. However, economic abuse typically focuses on long-term economic control over a partner by restricting their access to resources such as education or career opportunities. For example, an abuser may prevent their partner from furthering their education by not allowing them time away from home for classes or study time. Economic abusers may also limit their partner’s career options by preventing them from working outside of the home or choosing certain professions.?

What Are The Likely Signs Of Financial and Economic Abuse?????

There are many warning signs that someone might be experiencing financial abuse including: taking out loans without permission; sudden changes in spending habits (such as an increase in debt); being isolated from friends/family; not being allowed access to bank accounts despite being part of a couple’s finances; being denied basic necessities such as food/clothing; pressure to reconcile debts quickly with no explanation; and having wages withheld by an employer without consent. If you witness any of these signs it could be indicative that someone is experiencing financial abuse and they might need help and support.

What Should You Do If You Experience Financial Abuse In The UK?

If you are experiencing financial (or any other type) of domestic abuse, then it's important to remember that you are not alone and there is help available for you. Reach out to your local domestic violence support centre (find yours here) for advice on how to best protect yourself financially during this difficult time.

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They can provide guidance on legal rights related to money matters such as applying for housing benefit if needed, accessing emergency funds if necessary, reclaiming lost wages etc... They will also be able to provide emotional support which can be invaluable when facing this kind of situation alone. Additionally, they may be able to refer you onto other organisations which specialise in supporting victims of domestic violence so don't hesitate to reach out if you need help!?

What Should an Employer Do To Support Someone Experiencing Financial Abuse in The UK?

Employers have an important role to play when it comes to supporting employees who may be experiencing financial abuse at home. Firstly, employers should ensure that all staff have access to relevant policies regarding domestic violence leave so they know where they stand legally should they need time off work due to stress related illness caused by their partner abusing them financially at home.

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Additionally, employers should create an open environment within the workplace where employees feel comfortable speaking openly about any issues they may be facing at home. If employers suspect that one of their staff members may be suffering from financial abuse, then appropriate action must be taken in order for them to receive adequate protection.

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This could include contacting relevant helplines (such as National Domestic Abuse Helpline, tel: 0808 2000 247) for advice on how best proceed with providing support and protection for the employee involved. Finally, it's important that employers ensure confidentiality when dealing with situations involving domestic violence so that victims do not feel scared into silence due to possible repercussions from speaking out.?

Conclusion:

Domestic abuse is a serious issue that affects millions in the UK every year. The introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 has provided greater protection for victims and survivors by introducing new offences such as “coercive control” which criminalise coercive and controlling behaviour without physical violence being involved.

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Financial and economic abuses are also forms of domestic abuse where money is used to control another person’s behaviour or limit their freedom to make decisions about their own finances - employers should build strategies to support employees who may be suffering from these types of abuses so that they feel safe enough to come forward with any concerns they may have regarding themselves or others they know who could potentially be affected by this type of crime within their workplace environment.

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This would benefit both employers by ensuring a safe workplace for all staff members – as well as employees by giving them a platform where they can speak openly about issues affecting them without fear of judgement from colleagues or superiors – ultimately creating an environment where everyone feels protected from potential harm.

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Domestic Abuse: How do you get help?

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

Tel: 08082000247

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Surviving Economic Abuse

https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/

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Victim Support

https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/crime-info/types-crime/domestic-abuse/

Free, confidential support and advice is available to victims and their concerned family members or friends, 24 hours a day.

Bright Sky app

Bright Sky?is a mobile app and website for anyone experiencing domestic abuse, or who is worried about someone else.

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The app can be downloaded for free from the app stores. Only download the app if it is safe for you to do so and if you are sure that your phone isn’t being monitored.

Women’s Aid local support services directory

Women’s Aid have a?directory of domestic abuse support services across the UK.

If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are worried about friends or family, you can access the?Women’s Aid live chat service?7 days a week, 10am to 6pm. [email protected]

Victim Support

Victim Support run these services for victims and survivors of any abuse or crime, regardless of when it occurred or if the crime was reported to the police:

·??????free, independent, and confidential 24/7 Support line 08 08 16 89 111

·??????live chat service

·??????My Support Space - free online resource

Ask for ANI codeword

If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need immediate help, ask for ‘ANI’ in a participating pharmacy. ‘ANI’ stands for Action Needed Immediately. If a pharmacy has the ‘Ask for ANI’ logo on display, it means they’re ready to help. They will offer you a private space, provide a phone and ask if you need support from the police or other domestic abuse support services.

Safe Spaces

Safe Spaces?are also available in Boots, Morrisons, Superdrug and Well pharmacies, TSB banks and independent pharmacies across the UK. Once you are inside, specialist domestic abuse support information will be available for you to access. Many Safe Spaces are also prepared to respond to the ‘Ask for ANI’ codeword, to provide victims with a discreet way to access help calling the police on 999 or specialist support services.

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Find your?nearest Safe Space.

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Mankind Initiative

Male Victims of Domestic Abuse – Please call 01823 334244 to speak to them confidentially.

Website: https://www.mankind.org.uk/