How to cut out financial abuse

IT’S HARD TO LEAVE A PARTNER WHO CONTROLS YOUR CASH BUT SAFE SPACES HELP VICTIMS FLEE FINANCIAL ABUSERS

abuse takes many forms, and it’s not just about violence or mental and emotional mistreatment – people can suffer financial abuse, too.

This type of abuse can hurt all the more because it’s often subtle, building up slowly over time – and many people living with a financially controlling partner don’t even realise how the behaviour is harming them until they’re out of the relationship.

“There are extreme forms of financial abuse, such as stealing money, but we also want people to recognise more subtle signs,” explains Jane Gregory, founder of the Salford Survivor Project, which helps people flee abusive, controlling partners. She has won the Pride of Manchester TSB Community Hero award for her work with Salford.

Jane adds, “People don’t always recognise financial abuse because men and women are equal partners now.

“It could be a partner not paying their way. Financial abusers might be using the money they should be contributing to bills to gamble or buy alcohol or drugs.

“But these abusers might just want to be in control. Maybe they’re spending the money you need for necessities for themselves, or keeping an eye on what you spend, even if it’s your own money. If you and your partner both have good jobs but you never seem to have any money, you need to look at what’s really going on.”

Jane cites other examples of financial control, such as abusers taking out loans and car insurance in their partner’s name, so they’re not responsible for payments, or extending the mortgage on the house without telling their partner and pocketing the extra cash. Abusers can also make you doubt yourself, isolate you from loved ones, and sap your confidence.

But if you’re suffering abuse, help is at hand with Safe Spaces, provided by crisis support charity Hestia in all TSB branches across the UK. A TSB staff member will direct you to the Safe Space, a private room where you can access confidential support, such as the National Domestic Abuse Helpline (0808 2000 247).

“We are currently entering a poverty crisis and we know from supporting victims in our refuges and the community that in an economic downturn, levels of domestic abuse rise,” says Hestia chief executive Patrick Ryan.

“That’s why it’s so important we have Safe Spaces for victims of domestic abuse so they can safely access specialist support information discreetly and call a friend or family member.”

Safe Spaces are available in more than 6,000 locations nationwide, including all TSB branches in the North West. And you don’t have to be a customer to use a TSB Safe Space – they’re open to all.

Abusers might use bill money for gambling and drugs or want to control how you spend Community Hero Jane Gregory