More young people should know about economic abuse, warns Peterborough Women's Aid
Charity says knowledge of financial literacy and spotting signs of coercion could help more young people
A domestic abuse support service in Peterborough is warning that young people need much more education about economic abuse in relationships.
It comes after new research revealed nearly a third of girls and young women aged 16 to 24 have experienced this form of abuse in the past year.
Economic abuse can involve someone’s finances being controlled, debts run up in their name, or being prevented from working, studying or seeing friends.
Mandy Geraghty, from Peterborough Women’s Aid, said those affected "frequently have no money," and often stop attending work or education because they can't afford to travel.
"They're anxious about spending money without someone approving it; they withdraw from friends and they have little control over their bank account," she said.
Young people can be seen to be especially vulnerable as they begin to earn their own income and enter their first serious relationships, often without experience of controlling behaviour.
Peterborough Women's Aid is urging parents and schools to talk more openly about the issue and is providing online tools and resources to help families spot the signs.
The charity says teaching young people about budgeting, banking and financial coercion could help.
"There definitely needs to be more education in colleges for young people showing the signs of economic abuse and what their vulnerabilities are and how it can be prevented," Mandy added.