Domestic abuse takes many forms. Economic abuse often happens alongside other types of abuse and is commonly part of a pattern of behaviour where abusers seek to control their victims by means of their finances. They may repeatedly control your everyday actions and take away your choices, becoming violent and abusive (or threatening) if you refuse to meet their demands. With economic abuse, an abuser may restrict how you acquire, spend and manage money and economic resources, such as accommodation, food, clothing and transport (Surviving Economic Abuse, 2020).  They might take your wages, stop you working, or put you in debt.

Social distancing and isolation measures which are in place to control the spread of coronavirus may reinforce the power that an abuser has over you.  If you are concerned about how coronavirus may affect your finances or are experiencing economic abuse, help is available from:

• Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service

Advice Line (provided by Stop Domestic Abuse) 03300 165 112 weekdays 9.30am-8pm

• Surviving Economic Abuse has also provided additional resources and support, including guidance on economic abuse during Coronavirus.
• HM Treasury on what support is on offer.
• If you are worried that someone you know may be experiencing economic abuse, there is information that can support you to spot the signs of economic abuse.
• If you are a professional working with a victim-survivor, SEA have resources that can help you support them.