Signs of Economic Abuse
Thinking About Your Experiences with Money & Control
Have you experienced any of the following? If possible, read this somewhere you feel safe and private. You don’t have to answer anything that feels uncomfortable.
Control Over Money & Resources
- Have you ever been prevented from accessing your own money or bank accounts?
- Has anyone taken your money without permission?
- Were you forced or pressured to hand over wages, benefits, or savings?
- Have you had to ask for money for essentials like food, transport, or clothing?
- Does your ex-partner/partner ask to see receipts/evidence on what you have spent money on?
- Does your partner/ex-partner hide your bank cards or destroy bank cards?
- Has anyone made themselves responsible for your benefits or money without your agreement?
- Were you told someone “Had to” manage your benefits, without it being properly explained to you or insisted that benefits are in their name?
- Has someone become your DWP appointee and then controlled, withheld, or misused your money?
- Did you feel you could not say no to someone managing your money on your behalf?
- Does anyone control money meant specifically for your care or support needs?
- Has anyone told you that you have “no options” or “nowhere to go” because of your immigration status or because of your disability or health condition?
Debt & Financial Liability
- Have any loans, credit cards, or contracts been taken out in your name without your consent?
- Are there debts you are responsible for that you didn’t agree to?
- Does your partner/ex-partner insist that utility bills and other household bills be in your name?
- Does your partner/ex-partner ask, force, or expect you to put assets such as property, savings, or vehicles in their name?
- Has your partner/ex-partner put your name on their business or company without your consent?
Employment and Income
- Have you been forced to work in conditions you did not agree to?
- Have you been stopped from working, studying, or attending interviews?
- Have you been blocked from opening your own bank account?
- Are you made to feel guilty for attending work/college or are the hours you attend restricted?
Technology and Financial Control
- Has someone ever accessed your online banking or financial apps without your permission?
- Do you feel watched or monitored when using money or making purchases?
- Have you ever had your financial information used to pressure, threaten or manipulate you?
- Has someone controlled your access to online banking or financial apps because they are inaccessible to you (for example, due to sight loss, dexterity barriers, or unfamiliar technology)?
- Has anyone prevented you from accessing your bank accounts or making financial transactions independently?
If you recognised yourself in one or more of these questions, it may mean that someone has used money, benefits, work, or access to resources to control or limit your choices. This is often called economic or financial abuse, and it can happen alongside other forms of abuse — or on its own.
You do not need to be certain, label your experience, or take any action right now. Many people only realise over time that what they experienced was not okay.
Economic abuse can:
- Happen in relationships, families, or caring situations
- Affect people of any age, background, disability, or immigration status
- Continue even after a relationship has ended
None of this is your fault.
Support is available
You are not expected to deal with this alone. There are services that can:
- Help you understand what has happened
- Support you to protect your money and benefits
- Talk through options at your pace
- Help without judgment or pressure
You deserve to have control, safety, and choice when it comes to money and your life.
If you’re not ready to talk to anyone yet, that’s okay too. Simply recognising something doesn’t feel right can be an important first step.