The UK’s current cost-of-living crisis, while having an effect on many households across the country, is particularly exacerbating cases of domestic abuse. Financial tensions can be a major factor in such situations and this intense financial pressure only heightens their severity.
The connection between financial strain and abuse
Despite the ongoing struggles of everyday life, domestic abuse survivors face an even greater challenge when facing financial hardship. A lack of resources and rising cost-of-living not only increases their risk for physical, emotional, and financial harm but leaves them feeling trapped in a relationship without hope for escape or change.
Financial transparency
Financial abuse is a powerful tool used by abusers to control their partners, trapping them in insecurity and fear. They will often use deceptive tactics like withholding access to bank accounts or lying that there’s no money available at all; this leaves victims without any financial transparency or independence from the perpetrator. The effect? A manipulated sense of reliance on an abuser for survival.
Trapped in a vicious cycle
For a parent experiencing domestic violence, inadequate access to money can be an enormous roadblock in leaving the abuser and seeking support. With entangled financial commitments towards their children’s needs as well, it may seem like the only choice is staying put within the tumultuous relationship due to spiraling economic insecurity.
The rising statistics
There has been a worrying increase in people facing difficulties in attempting to leave their abuser.
Figures from Women’s Aid recently revealed that 73% of women said the economic crisis has made it harder for them to leave their abusive partner physically or financially.
A national concern
A survey completed by Stowe family law has revealed the impact is being felt more in certain areas of the UK.
In the Northeast, 59% of people said the cost-of-living crisis caused them to argue about money, compared to 24% in the East of England.
People in the Northeast are also feeling the most trapped in relationships. Nearly a quarter of those polled stay in their relationship because they wouldn’t afford living alone. This is closely followed by 18% in the Southeast and 16% in the Northwest, compared to only 6% of respondents in the East of England.
Age is also a factor. The survey revealed that 50% of couples aged 35-44 were arguing more because of the cost-of-living crisis, compared to 17% of 66 – 74 years old.
Younger couples also have the most concerns about their relationship breaking down in the future due to the cost-of-living crisis, with 29% of 35-44 and 27% of 25-34 year olds polled worried.
For those people trapped in a relationship, 21% of them are 35-44 years old, compared to 5% of 55-64 and 4% of 66-74 years old respectively.
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