A charity in Peterborough says they're seeing more victims of economic abuse
10% of women in the East of England have suffered this form of abuse
More people in Peterborough are experiencing economic abuse according to a local charity.
Figures show 10% of women in the East of England have suffered this form of abuse.
The domestic abuse charity Surviving Economic Abuse are calling for more awareness of bad financial behaviours to help more people identify and address signs of unhealthy money habits within relationships.
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.
As well as this, most victims were not seeking help due to being in denial or feeling overwhelmed.
If you don't have access to any money at all, then how are you going to leave the abusive relationship?
Mandy Geraghty, CEO of Peterborough Women's Aid, said:
"We are seeing an increase in the number of victims we work with suffering from economic abuse."
"In particular, signing up for credit cards they don't know are in their name or bank loans and being restricted with the money they have and how they're allowed to use it."
"There's also the problem of if you don't have access to any money at all, then how are you going to leave the abusive relationship?"
"You need money for travel and food, and if you have access to nothing, then leaving that abusive relationship is really challenging."
"We always advise our clients, if you're signing any documentation, that you read it properly and make sure you aren't taking on the debt of a partner."
"Also reach out for help because we know that economic abuse doesn't stand alone. A lot of the time it runs alongside the coercive control, the sexual, and the physical abuse."
The most common signs of economic abuse include an unwillingness to discuss money, a partner making you feel guilty if you spend money on yourself, and a partner regularly reviewing your financial statements and transactions.