COPING WITH ECONOMIC ABUSE
Understand the signs of economic abuse and how you can help regain control. In this lesson we provide guidance on steps you can take and resources to get further help and advice to protect your financial future.
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The warning signs of Domestic and Economic Abuse
Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse, and according to Living Without Abuse is experienced by 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in the UK.
Your pension savings are an example of a large amount of money that could be targeted, that could be impacted. Is your partner:
- Controlling how your pension is being spent?
- Making you pay your pension into an account they control, or one you hold jointly?
- Coercing you into withdrawing large portions of your pension?
- Spending your pension but keeping their pension for themselves?
- Exploiting your financial dependency on them?
- Keeping information about finances and pensions a secret?
These are all examples of economic abuse, and if they sound familiar, you are not alone. Take your time. Stay safe, and when you are ready, there are people and organisations that can help you.
Regaining control
It is never too late to have that first conversation. We’re here to help.
If safe to do so, you should alert your pension provider to any changes to your pensions, investments or insurance, especially if you were unaware of, feel uncomfortable with or did not consent to any of them. This will allow your pension provider to give any support you might need. If your pension is with Scottish Widows this will allow us to provide you with specialist help and support.
Whether or not you have access to your policy documentation, we will work with you to support you to regain control of your finances.
Advice Now have a free PDF guide on pensions and divorce: A survival guide to pensions on divorce | Advicenow
If you are in immediate danger, call the police on 999. For support around domestic abuse (emotional, physical or sexual) you can call specialist helplines or contact local services.
Domestic abuse support
24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Refuge
Supports women and children who have experienced domestic abuse by providing refuges and support in the community. Runs a freephone 24-hour helpline.
Women’s Aid
Coordinates a network of 180 local domestic abuse services nationwide and runs an online chat service (Mon–Fri, 10am–4pm; Sat–Sun 10am–12pm).
Galop
- www.galop.org.uk
- 0800 999 5428 (Mon, Tues & Fri, 10am–5pm; Wed–Thurs, 10am–8pm)
Anti-violence charity offering support and advice for the LGBT+ community. Runs the national LGBT+ domestic abuse helpline.
AVA Breathing Space
AVA's Breathing Space app launched in 2021 and can help with signposting, self-care and sharing survivor stories.
Economic Abuse Information
Surviving Economic Abuse is a UK-based charity focusing solely on economic abuse. They have a wide variety of resources for victim-survivors which are available from their website.
Scottish Widows Be Money Well is committed to providing information in a way that is accessible and useful for our users. This information, however, is not in any way intended to amount to authority or advice on which reliance should be placed. You should seek professional advice as appropriate and required. Any sites, products or services named in this module are just examples of what's available. Scottish Widows does not endorse the services they provide. The information in this module was last updated on 8th Aug 2024.