A significant generational gap exists in recognising the warning signs of economic abuse, with young adults far less likely to identify this hidden form of domestic abuse, according to new research.
The Alarming Awareness Gap
The survey, conducted by Ipsos for the charity Surviving Economic Abuse and TSB, found that 7% of people surveyed did not recognise any of the examples of economic abuse given or were not sure. The problem is particularly acute among younger generations.
When presented with a list of red flags, over a third (36%) of 18 to 24-year-olds failed to spot one or more potential signs. This compares starkly with just 16% of 55 to 64-year-olds who missed the signs.
What is Economic Abuse?
Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse where a perpetrator controls a person's money and resources as a means to trap and dominate them. It can involve restricting access to bank accounts, sabotaging employment opportunities, and accruing debt in the victim's name.
The research, released ahead of Economic Abuse Day on November 26, highlights a critical need for education. Other age groups also showed gaps in awareness, with 31% of 25 to 34-year-olds, 22% of 35 to 44-year-olds, 17% of 45 to 54 year-olds, and 19% of people aged 65-plus missing one or more warning signs.
Taking Action Against Economic Control
In response to these findings, the charity and TSB have launched the "spotting the signs challenge", a campaign designed to help people recognise the red flags of economic abuse and learn how to safely take action.
Sam Smethers, chief executive of Surviving Economic Abuse, stated: "Our research is a wake-up call: too many young people don't recognise the signs of economic abuse, even though nearly one in four young women experience it – higher than any other age group. But this isn't just a young person's issue – we need to raise awareness across all generations."
TSB also highlighted its "flee fund", launched in 2022 to provide survivors with immediate access to up to £500 to escape a dangerous abuser. The bank confirmed the fund has helped more than 800 people so far.
Kate Osiadacz, head of Responsible Business at TSB, emphasised the devastating impact of this crime, noting it can "trap victims in a spiral of debt and strip them of their financial independence – and in the worst cases, leading to the loss of life."
The warning signs of economic abuse that survey participants were asked to identify included a partner or ex-partner:
- Controlling or trying to control access to a personal bank account.
- Repeatedly refusing to pay their share of rent or bills despite having the money.
- Preventing someone from getting a job, training, or studying.
- Refusing to pay child support unreliably or at all when they could afford it.
- Controlling how someone spends their own money.
- Taking out credit in someone's name without their consent or through coercion.
