In a significant move following media exposure, Francesca Onody, a survivor of severe domestic abuse, has been invited to advise UK ministers on strategies to combat financial abuse. This invitation comes after her harrowing story was reported, highlighting the dire consequences of economic exploitation by abusive partners.
A Life Shattered by Abuse
Francesca Onody’s life took a tragic turn in 2022 when her controlling husband, Malcolm Baker, set their home ablaze with her and their two children inside. The fire resulted in Baker’s death but left Onody homeless and financially devastated. In a cruel twist, she discovered that Baker had cancelled their insurance policies and drained their business accounts, leaving her in a precarious financial position just as she was seeking a divorce.
Faced with the threat of repossession from their mortgage lender, Onody’s plight was brought to light after the Guardian intervened, halting the repossession order. The situation prompted Lucy Rigby, the City minister and economic secretary to the Treasury, to reach out to Onody directly.
Ministerial Response to Economic Abuse
Rigby expressed deep concern over Onody’s situation, describing it as a “truly shocking example of economic abuse.” She has since requested a meeting with Onody to discuss her experiences and explore potential measures to assist other victims navigating similar challenges. The charity Surviving Economic Abuse will be involved in these discussions.
“The government’s commitment to tackling economic abuse is evident in our recently published financial inclusion strategy,” Rigby stated. “I am determined that we do everything possible to prevent victim-survivors like Francesca from enduring similar hardships.”
The Need for Systemic Change
Onody has voiced her disappointment with the lack of support from authorities and financial institutions during her ordeal. “Abusers are manipulative and calculating, exploiting the terms of financial institutions to their advantage,” she remarked. “If my story can help prevent someone else from experiencing what my children and I went through, I am willing to share my experiences.”
The charity Surviving Economic Abuse emphasises that abusers often weaponise financial products to maintain control over their victims. Chief Executive Sam Smethers highlighted the necessity for financial services personnel to be trained to recognise the signs of economic abuse and provide appropriate support.
“While we welcome the government’s commitment to addressing economic abuse, urgent legislative reform is essential to close the gaps in current systems that abusers exploit,” Smethers urged. “The Financial Conduct Authority must swiftly issue guidance to assist firms in supporting survivors under existing regulations. This is crucial for helping survivors like Francesca and their families rebuild their lives safely.”
Why it Matters
Francesca Onody’s story underscores the often-overlooked aspect of domestic abuse: financial control. As the government seeks to implement measures to support victims, it highlights the urgent need for systemic changes within financial institutions. This initiative could pave the way for better protection of vulnerable individuals, ensuring that survivors of domestic abuse receive the financial assistance and recognition they desperately need to reclaim their lives. As the conversation around economic abuse gains traction, it is vital for all stakeholders to engage meaningfully in creating a safer, more supportive environment for those affected.
