Why start the conversation

If your finances have been taken out of your control by someone in your life, you may be the victim of economic or financial abuse.

Economic abuse often occurs alongside other forms of domestic abuse and if you are in immediate danger, you should call Police Scotland on 999.

If you are not in immediate danger, but have concerns about your safety, call Scotland’s 24 hour Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline on 0800 027 1234, or message the text/WhatsApp service on 07401 288595 or email: [email protected]

If you are unsure if you are the victim of economic or financial abuse, but have concerns about someone’s involvement in your finances, speak to someone you can trust (contact details for the support agencies you can talk to are listed within this blog).

Economic abuse is real, serious, and legally actionable in Scotland. If you or someone you know or support could be experiencing economic abuse it’s important to recognise the signs and find support - you are not alone, and help is available.

 

What is the difference between financial and economic abuse?

Financial and economic abuse are both forms of coercive and controlling behaviour, where the abuser controls their partner’s finances, steals their money or coerces them into debt.  However, economic abuse also includes controlling access to things their partner needs, like daily essentials, a mobile phone, transport or employment.

Often this abuse is hidden and sometimes victims don’t realise it is happening to them.

 

What are the signs of economic abuse in a relationship?

• The abuser has total control of the household income or refuses to allow their partner to have their own bank account
• The abuser monitors spending and demands receipts
• The abuser prevents their partner making claims for benefits or financial support or takes control of any funds received
• The abuser spends money needed for household bills or essentials and refuses to contribute to household costs
• The abuser insists all assets, like the home or savings, are in their name only
• The abuser prevents their partner from accessing essentials like food, clothes, transport or even utilities in the home like hot water or heating
• The abuser restricts their partner’s employment or education opportunities so they can’t earn their own money
• The abuser causes damage to the family home.

There are many other signs to look out for – check out the Surviving Economic Abuse website for more detailed information.

 

I think I am a victim of economic or financial abuse, who can I talk to?

Specialist Domestic Abuse Charities Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline (SDAFM)

Free helpline 0800 027 1234 operates 24 hrs a day, seven days a week. Use 07401288595 for texts or WhatsApp.

 Scottish Women's Aid uses the SDABFM Helpline and offers online chat via their website. Provides access to local services.

Shakti Women's Aid

Contact 0131 475 2399.

Provide support for BME women across Scotland.

Surviving Economic Abuse

Financial Support Line 0808 196 8845, Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.

Practical guidance on dealing with economic abuse and access to their Banking Support Directory advising what support each bank can offer to those affected by economic abuse.

Victim Support Scotland Emergency Assistance Fund

Free support line 0800 160 1985, Monday to Friday 8am to 8pm, Saturday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm. Webchat also available.

The fund provides immediate financial help after a crime, and they provide emotional and practical support to victims of crime.

Action Against Stalking Scotland

Free helpline 0800 820 2427, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

 xx Contact Action Against Stalking Scotland if stalking or forced marriage overlaps with the domestic/economic abuse xx.

FearFree

Contact 0131 624 7270 for specialist domestic abuse support for any man, any LGBT+ person and any trans or non-binary person.

Financial, Legal and Housing Guidance

Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS)

Helpline 0800 028 1456.

Provide free confidential and regulated advice with benefits, debt, housing, legal rights.

Scottish Women's Rights Centre

Daytime helpline 0808 801 0789, Mondays 10am to 12:30pm, and Wednesdays 10am to 1pm.

Provide detailed factsheets on economic abuse, how it fits within domestic abuse law, and legal advice.

Advice Direct Scotland

Helpline 0808 196 2316, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm or book a call back via their website, or use their online webchat service.

Provide free, confidential and regulated consumer, debt, and benefits advice.

National Debtline

Helpline 0808 808 4000, Monday to Friday 9am - 8pm, Saturday 9:30am to 1pm.

Provide free, confidential and regulated debt guidance.

Scottish Welfare Fund

Contact your local authority to make a claim.

Offers grants for those in crisis as a result of domestic abuse.

Shelter Scotland

Free helpline 0808 800 4444, Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm.

Provide advice on your rights and options if you are victim of domestic abuse.

You can also use our Find an Advice Agency tool to locate free, confidential and regulated money and debt advisers in your local area.

You can find more information about economic abuse on our website Economic Abuse | Money Advice Scotland