Swindon banking provider calls for reform to help survivors of domestic abuse stay safe
Nationwide offers Safe Spaces across 400 branches
Swindon-based building society Nationwide is joining calls for the Individual Insolvency Register to be made private.
It comes as the company is expanding its domestic abuse support by partnering with national charity Refuge.
Victims of financial abuse often end up opting for insolvency – making their personal data publicly available on the register.
Sarah Liddon, Senior Manager of Nationwide’s Customer Vulnerability Team, told Greatest Hits Radio: “It's quite common for survivors to inherit debts taken out by their perpetrators and for some survivors that process then means they need to explore insolvency options like bankruptcy, debt relief orders or individual voluntary arrangements.
“And once that insolvency solution is approved, an individual's personal details, including their current and previous names, their date of birth and – most concerningly – their home address are published on an Individual Insolvency Register, which is an online record and it's accessible to anyone.”
Removal can be 're-traumatising'
While it is possible to get someone’s details removed from the register, this can often be a long and strenuous process.
Survivors can get a Persons at Risk of Violence Order which protects individuals who have reason to expect that disclosing their address online could lead to violence against them or other household members.
To get this order, the survivor has to submit an application form, a witness statement and supporting evidence.
“These are steps that could be really re-traumatising for that person”, explained Ms Liddon.
There is also a £308 fee that applicants have to pay, as well as possible additional costs if court proceedings are involved in getting the necessary documentation.
“Nationwide is supporting the Money Wellness campaign to ensure survivors aren't forced to choose between safety and debt relief.
“And that means abolishing that £308 fee and making the insolvency register private from the start”, added Ms Liddon.
2.3m domestic abuse cases in 2023/24
According to the Office for National Statistics, 2.3 million adults in England and Wales experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2024.
This includes 1.6 million women and 712,000 men, showing that females are more than twice as likely to be affected.
Through its new partnership with Refuge, Nationwide will be able to directly refer customers to the charity over the phone.
Refuge can then help the survivor by providing safe accommodation and support within their own communities.
“We're really committed to supporting those that suffer from financial and economic abuse because domestic abuse can happen to anyone.
“It's not straightforward, and it can often switch between the various forms at different points in in customers lives”, said Ms Liddon.
Emma Pickering, Head of Technology-Facilitated Abuse and Economic Empowerment at Refuge, added: “Our partnership has never been more needed. With Nationwide’s support, Refuge’s expert team will empower survivors with practical advice and emotional support, helping them to rebuild their lives. No survivor should have to navigate domestic abuse alone, and Nationwide’s commitment means we will be able to ensure even more survivors receive the support they deserve.”
Help available
If you’re affected by issues raised in this article, there is help available from your local domestic abuse service at www.societywithoutabuse.org.uk.
- The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247 (run by Refuge)
- The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors is 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect)
- The National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0800 999 5428 (run by Galop)
If you are in immediate danger always call 999.