Latest / Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor / What are signs of financial control or economic abuse?

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What are signs of financial control or economic abuse? · Wellbeing Solutions - Ask A Counsellor

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  SPEAKER_00: Money and power often sit close together in relationships.
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  SPEAKER_00: When one person controls the finances completely, that isn't just a personality clash or someone being careful with their cash.
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  SPEAKER_00: It can be a form of coercive control where access to money or knowledge about it becomes a way of limiting someone's freedom.
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  SPEAKER_00: This is more common than people realise, and it can happen slowly, so it's easy to miss at first.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now if any of this feels close to her right now, take a breath and give yourself a moment.
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  SPEAKER_00: Whatever you're noticing, confusion, shame or even relief at hearing it all named, all of that makes sense.
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  SPEAKER_00: As financial control is often designed to be hard to notice, and simply place a hand on your chest, take a deep breath in then out, and remind yourself that you're allowed to ask questions about your own money.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now a useful place to start is simply noticing patterns rather than single incidents.
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  SPEAKER_00: So are you asked to justify every purchase?
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  SPEAKER_00: Has someone taken over your accounts, changed your passwords, or added their name to something without asking?
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  SPEAKER_00: Are you kept from working, studying or claiming benefits you're entitled to?
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  SPEAKER_00: And you can try writing down what's happening as it happens, in your own words, dated where you can, as this then turns a vague feeling into something clearer you can look back on and trust.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now practical ways to support you with this, if you can, is quietly gather key documents when it's safe to do so, such as pay slips, bank statements, your national insurance number, ID, and anything with your name on it.
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  SPEAKER_00: Photos on your phone work if paper isn't possible as well.
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  SPEAKER_00: And also think about one person you trust, whether that's a friend, family member, or even your GP, who you can mention this to even briefly.
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  SPEAKER_00: And you don't need a full plan today, just one small safe step forward.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now, if you do want to talk this through properly, your GP can speak with you in confidence and point you toward local support.
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  SPEAKER_00: There is also the National Domestic Abuse Helpline which is free and available on 0808 2000247, and the financial support line for victims of domestic abuse can help specifically with money on 0808 196 8845.
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  SPEAKER_00: Now for more on this, you can take a look at the resources in the app, and if you are thinking about harming yourself or feeling safe, then please seek urgent help by contacting your local emergency number or a crisis helpline.