Money Blog Feature: Survivor Shares Harrowing Story of Economic Abuse Amid Calls for Government Action
In a compelling personal account featured on Sky News’ Money blog, Amy*, a survivor of prolonged domestic violence and economic abuse, reveals the terrifying control her ex-husband exerted over her life—extending beyond physical and emotional abuse to the very finances that once gave her independence. Her story comes as charities and politicians urge the UK government to prioritize economic abuse in its forthcoming Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) strategy.
A 25-Year Ordeal of Control and Fear
Amy, who once held a high-level executive role earning six figures, describes living in a marriage where financial autonomy was systematically stripped away. "He made me eat cheaper brands than him and said I’d die in a car crash," she recounts, highlighting the chilling intimidation tactics her husband used to maintain control. Despite enduring 25 years marked by violence and sexual abuse, Amy stayed silent for much of that time—primarily because she was financially powerless.
Financial abuse is a form of economic control that restricts access to money and essential resources, such as food, clothing, and transportation, leaving victims trapped. Amy was isolated from employment, given a strict allowance, and monitored in near every aspect of her spending and daily life. "He was terrifying," Amy says. "He meant it. And I know he meant it because he’d done a number of things in the marriage where I nearly died at his hands."
The Scale of Economic Abuse in the UK
Recent data collected by the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) reveals that economic abuse affects millions of women in the UK. A survey of 3,000 women found that 15% experienced some form of economic abuse in the year leading to November 2024. When extrapolated, this figure suggests that approximately 4.1 million women across the nation face such control.
Keir Starmer, leader of the Labour Party, has publicly called economic abuse a "national emergency," pushing the government to include it as a central focus in the new VAWG strategy expected soon. The new strategy aims to halve violence against women and girls over the next decade, following limited progress since the 2021 Conservative-led plan flagged by the National Audit Office as largely ineffective.
The Hidden Weapon of Abusers
Sam Smethers, Chief Executive of SEA, emphasizes that financial control is often part of a broader pattern of abuse. More than half (56%) of women who faced economic abuse also experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, underscoring how interwoven these harms can be. For many survivors, economic abuse is a powerful weapon used by perpetrators to trap them in dangerous situations.
Amy’s experience exemplifies this. After separating from her abusive husband, he continued to use legal processes and inconsistent child maintenance payments to sap her financial resources, making it even harder for her to achieve independence. "He drained my finances by prolonging divorce proceedings and raising court disputes," she explains.
Government Response and Hope for Change
Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, acknowledges the profound impact economic abuse has on thousands of women each year. "No woman should ever be trapped in an abusive relationship because of the suffering they will face if they try to leave, whether that is the threat of physical violence or the prospect of being plunged into poverty and homelessness," she said in an interview with Sky News.
Phillips confirmed the government’s ongoing commitment to tackling economic abuse — including allocating £160 million to local authorities to provide safe accommodation and social housing options for victims. Notably, survivors will not have to prove a local connection to access this help. Additionally, funding continues to support organizations like Surviving Economic Abuse to raise awareness and provide direct aid.
The upcoming VAWG strategy is expected to detail further measures meant to empower survivors and break cycles of abuse. SEA’s chief Smethers warns that to effectively combat domestic abuse, economic control must be addressed "at the heart of the strategy."
Recognizing the Signs and Getting Help
Economic abuse can be subtle but is devastating in its effects. Signs include unexpected financial restrictions, monitoring of spending, and controlling access to basic necessities. Victims and those concerned about loved ones can find guidance on recognizing abuse and accessing support through the NHS website and organizations such as Samaritans.
Anyone feeling distressed or needing to talk may contact the Samaritans at 116 123 or [email protected] in the UK. For those in the US or elsewhere, local Samaritans branches or the 1-800-273-TALK helpline offer vital resources.
Note: Amy’s name has been changed to protect her identity.
This report forms part of the ongoing coverage by Sky News’ Money blog, which explores personal finance issues intersecting with social challenges. The upcoming government strategy on violence against women and girls is keenly anticipated as a potential turning point in the fight against economic abuse and domestic violence.
For additional financial tips, consumer advice, and personal stories, visit the Sky News Money blog and Smart Money Mindset.