Millions of Brits Overlook Financial Abuse Red Flags in Relationships, Study Reveals

Millions of adults across the United Kingdom are failing to identify the clear warning signs of financial abuse within intimate relationships, according to a significant new study. The research, conducted by AXA UK, has uncovered concerning blind spots in public awareness about this often-hidden form of domestic abuse.

Alarming Awareness Gaps in Recognising Abuse

The comprehensive poll of 2,000 people revealed startling gaps in understanding what constitutes financial abuse. A substantial 24% of respondents failed to recognise that a partner controlling their bank accounts represents abusive behaviour. Even more worryingly, 40% saw nothing problematic with a partner being denied access to their own passport or identification documents.

Perhaps most concerning of all, 42% of those surveyed confessed they would not be worried if their partner deliberately hid financial documents from them. These findings highlight how financial abuse can remain hidden in plain sight, with many people unable to identify controlling behaviours even when they occur within their own relationships.

Expert Perspectives on the Hidden Nature of Financial Control

TV personality and campaign ambassador Anna Williamson emphasised the insidious nature of financial abuse. "Financial abuse isn't always obvious, and that's what makes it so dangerous," she explained. "It can sound like everyday conversations about money – who's 'better with the finances', what's 'sensible' to spend, or why certain decisions are being taken out of your hands. Over time, that language can become a way of controlling someone and leaving them feeling trapped."

Tara Foley, CEO of AXA UK & Ireland, added: "Financial abuse often hides in plain sight, but even some of the most obvious signs can be hard to see. We want to empower everyone to recognise the signs and help them find the words to seek help when they need it most."

The Concealed Reality of Financial Manipulation

The research further underscored how concealed this form of abuse typically remains. One-fifth of respondents admitted they would struggle to identify whether a friend or family member was being manipulated by a partner, primarily because financial abuse usually occurs behind closed doors and lacks the visible markers associated with other forms of domestic abuse.

Despite this recognition gap, eight in ten participants acknowledged that financial abuse is just as severe as other forms of domestic violence. Furthermore, 86% correctly recognised that financial abuse can affect anyone regardless of their income level or social standing. However, alarmingly, only 29% stated they would end a relationship if they personally experienced financial abuse themselves.

Corporate Response and Support Initiatives

AXA UK is taking proactive steps to address this critical issue by training its call centre teams with expert guidance from partner charities Women's Aid and Smart Works. This training specifically focuses on supporting customers who disclose they are experiencing abuse.

Tara Foley elaborated on this initiative: "We aim to protect what matters most and we have a valuable role to play in supporting our customers when they're in need. That's why with expert guidance from charities, we have trained our call centre teams to support those who disclose that they are experiencing abuse."

The insurance company stresses that education and open dialogue remain vital, particularly as research consistently shows significant gaps in awareness surrounding domestic abuse in all its forms. Greater understanding and recognition can help prevent harm and ensure appropriate support reaches those who may be struggling in silence.

Eight Key Warning Signs of Financial Abuse

To help improve public awareness, AXA UK has identified eight crucial warning signs that may indicate financial abuse within a relationship:

Someone having complete financial control over your banking accounts without your consent
Someone being denied access to their passport, identification documents, or information about their right to live in the UK
Someone deliberately concealing financial paperwork or important documents from you
Someone over-reacting to normal financial situations such as going out for a meal or planning a holiday
Someone removing you from an insurance policy without consultation or agreement
Their partner consistently calls them at work or turns up unexpectedly to monitor their activities
Someone wearing ill-fitting or worn-out clothing despite having financial means available
Someone always uses cash for transactions rather than cards, potentially indicating restricted access to accounts

These warning signs form part of a broader awareness campaign aimed at helping people recognise financial abuse earlier and seek appropriate support. The research clearly demonstrates that while financial abuse remains widespread, public awareness and recognition lag significantly behind, creating dangerous situations for potentially millions of people across the country.