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The landscape of domestic abuse is shifting, with a troubling surge in instances of financial coercion and technology-facilitated abuse. Recent figures from Refuge, the UK’s largest specialist domestic abuse charity, reveal a staggering 78% increase in referrals for such cases over the past year. This sharp rise, from 542 to 967 referrals between April 2025 and March 2026, highlights the urgent need for awareness and intervention in these hidden forms of abuse.
The Growing Threat of Economic Abuse
Economic abuse has become an alarming reality for many victims, manifesting in various forms—most notably through the manipulation of finances and technology. Victims often find themselves controlled through restricted access to money or coerced into taking out loans against their will. Refuge’s specialists have noted a particularly concerning trend: an increase in cases where individuals are forced into car finance agreements.
This type of abuse can leave survivors with crippling debts and tarnished credit scores. Zara*, a survivor supported by Refuge, shared her harrowing experience of being coerced into a car finance agreement by her ex-partner. “After we separated, I learned I was liable for an early termination fee of around £11,000,” she recounted. “I had to work extra shifts just to manage that debt, alongside others he had coerced me into.”
The Hidden Faces of Financial Control
The stories of those affected paint a vivid picture of the often-invisible chains of economic abuse. Nicole*, another survivor, described how her controlling ex-partner registered her car in his name without her consent, leaving her struggling to reclaim her financial independence. “I thought I was just having a normal relationship, but I was experiencing economic abuse,” she said.
Sara*, who faced similar challenges, recalled a moment of desperation at a car dealership where her partner’s coercive behaviour led to her signing a lease she was uncomfortable with. “I felt trapped,” she explained. “He had taken out debts in my name, including a finance agreement for a luxury car worth over £100,000. It was all so overwhelming.”
Urgent Call for Systemic Change
In light of these troubling statistics, Refuge is advocating for immediate action from the government to improve support for victims of economic abuse. Francesca Ferrier, the charity’s senior economic empowerment partnerships manager, emphasised the lack of understanding among car finance providers and credit reference agencies regarding the signs of economic abuse. “Survivors face significant obstacles in resolving their debts,” she noted.
Refuge is calling for the establishment of a working group that brings together specialists, finance providers, and credit reference agencies to create a robust response to this escalating issue. “Lasting change requires government action,” Ferrier stressed. “We need a coordinated approach to ensure survivors receive the protection they deserve.”
Young Women at Risk
The issue of economic abuse is not limited to adults; research from Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) reveals that over one million young women in the UK are experiencing similar forms of financial control. A recent study conducted by Ipsos UK found that 36% of young women aged 16 to 24 reported economic abuse from a current or former partner, translating to approximately 1.3 million individuals. Alarmingly, nearly one in three girls aged 16 to 18 reported experiencing this abuse within the last year.
Gabby*, who faced economic abuse in her teens, reflects on how the lack of understanding around these issues contributed to her situation. “I thought sharing finances was just part of being in a relationship,” she admitted. “I had no idea I was being controlled. It wasn’t until later that I realised the extent of the manipulation.”
Sam Smethers, SEA’s chief executive, highlights the urgency of the situation: “Our research shows that millions of young women are being manipulated by abusive partners, often right from the beginning of their relationships. It’s crucial that parents, teachers, and professionals recognise the warning signs early on.”
*Names have been changed to protect identities.
Why it Matters
The rise in financial coercion and economic abuse is a stark reminder of the multidimensional nature of domestic violence. As victims grapple with the complexities of their financial entanglements, the need for systemic change and increased awareness becomes more pressing than ever. By recognising and addressing these issues, society can help empower survivors to reclaim their independence and ensure that future generations are better protected from such insidious forms of abuse.
