Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse where one person controls another's money and economic resources. New government research shows many younger men do not recognise it, and major UK banks have now joined a campaign to change that. This guide explains what economic abuse is, the signs, and where to get help.
| Quick answerEconomic abuse is a form of domestic abuse and a criminal offence under the controlling or coercive behaviour offence. On 17 June 2026 the government's Enough campaign partnered with banks including Monzo, TSB, Metro Bank, Santander, Revolut and HSBC to raise awareness of four behaviours: restricting someone's ability to earn, running up debts in someone else's name, controlling someone's money, and misusing payment references to harass. Ipsos research found 19 percent of men aged 18 to 24 do not consider controlling how someone spends their money to be abuse, compared with 6 percent of those aged 45 to 54. |
| If you or someone you know is affected, the free, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, is on 0808 2000 247. Surviving Economic Abuse also runs a Financial Support Line. In an emergency call 999, or press 55 if you cannot speak safely. |
What is economic abuse?
Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse, and a criminal offence under the controlling or coercive behaviour offence. It involves a current or former partner controlling someone's money and economic resources, which can include housing, a phone, employment, food or clothing. By controlling money, restricting work or running up debt in someone's name, abusers can strip away a person's independence and financial stability and trap them in a dangerous situation.
The four behaviours the campaign highlights
- Restricting someone's ability to earn.
- Running up debts in someone else's name.
- Controlling someone's money.
- Misusing payment references to harass someone.
What the research found
According to Ipsos UK figures published by the Home Office and Surviving Economic Abuse, awareness is high overall but gaps remain, particularly among younger men.
| Finding | Figure |
|---|---|
| Men who identify at least one abusive behaviour | 94 percent |
| Men who identify every behaviour | 58 percent |
| All UK adults who identify every behaviour | 65 percent |
| 18 to 24 men: controlling spending not abuse | 19 percent (vs 6 percent of 45 to 54s) |
| 18 to 24 men: controlling bank account access not abuse | 19 percent |
| 18 to 24s: credit in someone's name without consent not abuse | 16 percent (vs 4 percent of 45 to 54s) |
What banks are doing
Banks including Monzo, TSB, Metro Bank, Santander, Revolut and HSBC have joined the Enough campaign. Customers will see campaign adverts in banking apps and some branches highlighting the four behaviours, and banks are rolling out technology to detect and block abusive messages sent through payment references. Support examples include Metro Bank's Hestia Safe Spaces in stores, TSB's Flee Fund, and Monzo tools such as Share With Us and hidden Pots.
Where to get help
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge: 0808 2000 247, free and 24 hours.
- Surviving Economic Abuse: information and a Financial Support Line for people experiencing economic abuse.
- Your bank's vulnerable customer or financial support team can help with practical steps.
- In an emergency, call 999. If you cannot speak safely, call 999 and press 55.
This article is for general information only and reflects figures published by the Home Office, Ipsos UK and Surviving Economic Abuse as at June 2026. It is not legal or financial advice. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
Frequently asked questions
Is economic abuse a crime?
Yes. Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse and can be a criminal offence under the controlling or coercive behaviour offence.
What counts as economic abuse?
Behaviours include restricting someone's ability to earn, running up debts in their name, controlling their money, and misusing payment references to harass them.
Which banks are part of the campaign?
Banks taking part include Monzo, TSB, Metro Bank, Santander, Revolut and HSBC.
Where can I get help?
Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 (free, 24 hours, run by Refuge), Surviving Economic Abuse, or your bank's support team. In an emergency call 999.
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