Economic abuse is linked to the death of a victim every three weeks across England and Wales, according to a new report by the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA). The analysis, based on over 400 Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) conducted between 2012 and 2024, found that one individual died every 19 days in cases involving both economic abuse and intimate partner violence.
SEA described the findings as a 'wake-up call', emphasising that economic abuse 'is not just a money problem' but a significant danger. The charity defined economic abuse as control over income, spending, bank accounts, bills, and borrowing, as well as restricting access to essential resources such as transport, technology, property, food, and clothing.
More than half (51%) of the DHRs analysed involved economic abuse in the context of intimate partner violence, with the majority of victims female and most perpetrators male. However, the charity noted that panels identified economic abuse in fewer than half of those 231 reviews where SEA felt it had been identified. Victims of economic abuse tended to be younger, with an average age of 40, compared to an average of 52 for all other domestic abuse victims.
Deaths were by homicide or suicide, and the charity said the true number of deaths is likely higher as some cases may not have been identified or recorded. While a statutory definition of domestic abuse came into effect in 2021, which includes economic abuse, SEA said 'further work is needed to raise awareness of economic abuse and provide training to enhance understanding among local panels'.
Sam Smethers, chief executive of SEA, said: 'Every three weeks, a victim dies because of an abuser who uses economic abuse as a tool for control. But the true toll of economic abuse is likely to be much higher.' Frank Mullane, chief executive of the Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse charity, said the report revealed 'significant gaps in professionals' knowledge of economic abuse' and welcomed calls for Home Office guidance on how financial institutions should engage with DHRs.
