Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) is the UK’s only charity dedicated solely to tackling economic abuse, a form of domestic abuse where perpetrators use finances and resources to control or exploit a partner. Though frequently under-recognised, economic abuse can leave survivors trapped in harmful relationships because they lack access to money, may have debts forced upon them, or fear homelessness if they leave. SEA not only raises awareness of what economic abuse looks like, coerced debt, sabotage of employment, controlling bank accounts, but also provides practical guidance for survivors rebuilding their financial independence
In terms of family law, economic abuse often intersects with divorce, child maintenance, and property disputes. Abusers might refuse to pay child support, hide joint assets, or manipulate survivors into signing disadvantageous financial agreements. SEA’s resources help survivors recognise these tactics and, importantly, equip them with information on how to approach legal proceedings. By working with solicitors, banks, and financial institutions, SEA advocates for system changes – like ensuring survivors aren’t penalised for credit damage caused by an abuser’s coercion. The charity also hosts webinars and training sessions for frontline staff, be they refuge workers, family lawyers, or local authority teams so that survivors receive joined-up, empathetic support in every setting.
Key Services
- Financial Advocacy: Guidance on resolving coerced debt, accessing benefits, and challenging joint liabilities.
- Resources & Toolkits: Clear explanations of economic abuse indicators and how to document or address them legally.
- Professional Training: Equips solicitors, banks, and domestic-abuse services to recognise and respond effectively to economic abuse.
- Policy Influence: Pushes for legislative reforms, e.g., changes to debt-collection processes that unfairly penalise survivors.
Why It’s Valuable
While physical and emotional abuses are widely acknowledged, economic abuse can remain hidden, yet it’s deeply damaging and can outlast a relationship. Surviving Economic Abuse shines a spotlight on this dimension of domestic violence, ensuring survivors know they have recourse in family court if an ex-partner continues financial sabotage.
Their practical guides help individuals gather evidence, such as coerced credit agreements, to present in divorce or separation disputes. By amplifying the concept of economic abuse in legal and financial circles, SEA is gradually reshaping an environment where perpetrators can no longer exploit monetary power unchecked.
Website: https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/
Registered Charity Number: 1173256