South West charity warns of the dangers of economic abuse
The organisation warn unhealthy money habits can lead to manipulative behaviour
The domestic abuse charity Surviving Economic Abuse is working across Bristol and the West Country to raise awareness of bad financial behaviours within relationships.
The organisation warn unhealthy money habits can lead to controlling and manipulative behaviour.
This could include attempts to regulate a partner's spending, a refusal to discuss bills, hiding financial information, or forcing a partner to spend beyond their means.
"It's a way for someone who is abusive to trap you in that relationship," said Deidra Cartwright, a Bristol representative from Surviving Economic Abuse.
"They make it difficult for you to leave and make it difficult to be independent.
"Sometimes when you're in the midst of that abuse it can be difficult to identify it.
"They might want you to pay for things for them, and say you should do it because you care about them, even if you can't afford it.
"Or, they might say they're helping you by having control over finances.
"What can be portrayed as caring and protective behaviour, could easily become coercive and controlling."
Last year, the charity found that almost two fifths of 18-24-year-olds had experienced at least one form of economically abusive behaviour in the last year, and that most were not seeking help due to being in denial (46%) or feeling overwhelmed (43%).
"You find yourself married, you have children, you might have given up work and become financially dependent on your partner," said Deidre. "You can feel like you've lost your financial independence and it's hard to come back from that."