Corrie highlights the problem of financial abuse
THE pandemic has made many people more anxious about their finances – and for those suffering economic abuse, their problems may have worsened.
The charity Refuge recently said demand for its National Domestic Abuse Helpline has spiked, and ITV’S Coronation Street has also been highlighting the issue, through their abuse storyline following Geoff and Yasmeen. Part of Geoff’s abusive behaviour has involved him controlling Yasmeen’s finances and taking her payment cards.
Natwest recently unveiled a £1 million fund to support survivors of economic and domestic abuse, in partnership with Uk-wide domestic abuse charity Safelives (safelives.org. uk). Here, Kim Chambers, a financial abuse specialist with Natwest, tells us more about what banks are doing to help.
Tell us about the new fund
THE fund is designed to help victims, champion their potential, and to support financial confidence and independence. Safelives is co-creating the programme with survivors and frontline services.
What are the key warning signs of economic abuse?
IT could just be in a conversation: ‘Do you not have to show your receipts when you come home from your shopping?’.
How do customers get in touch?
FOR many people affected, it can be difficult to visit a branch or even call. Therefore we have a very simple form on our websites, which enables someone to reach out for help. That connects them directly to me and I make contact at a time and on a number that’s agreed as being safe and convenient. I also get referrals from conversations customers have had with my colleagues.
Does economic abuse mainly involve couples?
THE majority of the economic abuse I see is in intimate relationships, but I’ve seen all sorts of cases. It could involve power of attorney. When somebody’s looking after someone else’s finances, they need to be doing it in the best interests of the person they’re helping. I’ve had some cases where an adult child has had to hand over their salary to the parents.
■ For more information, visit personal.natwest.com and search for ‘financial abuse’