Since the start of the pandemic, there has been an increase in people reaching out to police and helplines about financial abuse. Periods of lockdown created conditions where domestic abuse can develop and/ or worsen. According to an April 2020 survey by the charity Women’s Aid, almost a third of respondents reported that their abuser blamed them for the economic impact of the pandemic on their household.
Studies show that, in some areas, it is the most widespread type of abuse. Statistics show:
- at least 20% of all UK cases of adult abuse are financial
- 60-80% of cases of financial abuse take place in a person’s own home
- nearly 70% of financial abuse is carried out by a family member
Signs of financial abuse
If you suspect that you or someone you know might be a victim of financial abuse, here are some of the behaviours and signs that might suggest financial abuse could be happening:
- unexplained money loss
- lack of money to pay for essentials such as rent, bills and food
- inability to access or check bank accounts and bank balance
- changes or deterioration in standards of living e.g. not having items or things they would usually have
- unusual or inappropriate purchases in bank statements
- isolation and withdrawal from friends and family
- lack of things you’d expect someone to be able to afford e.g. TV, grooming items, clothing.
Who commits financial abuse?
Financial abuse can be committed by anyone, anywhere, even people employed to provide care. This might include:
- spouses, friends, family and neighbours
- people employed to provide care
- volunteers
- strangers
Who is at risk of financial abuse?
Financial abuse can affect anyone. It often takes place where there is an unequal balance of power. This can happen when:
- someone is a victim of another form of abuse, such as domestic abuse or violence
- someone has a learning disability
- someone has a medical condition
- someone takes medication
What to do
The best way to protect yourself or a loved one and stop abuse from happening is to tell someone about it. This may feel difficult, especially if the person abusing you is a close friend or relative, but abuse and neglect is never acceptable. You don’t have to put up with it, and there is help available for you to put a stop to it.
You can get support and advice from:
- Adult Social Services at your local council
- your GP or other NHS health providers
- the Care Quality Commission
- Refuge Domestic Abuse helpline: 0808 2000 247
- Hourglass helpline: 0808 808 8141
- the police – you can call the local police on the 101 non-emergency number or call 999 immediately in an emergency
- pharmacies – ask staff for ‘ANI’ and they can provide immediate help
- Age UK: 0800 678 1602
Please talk to any member of the Safeguarding Team if you have any questions or concerns relating to any of the information above.
