At least one victim of economic abuse dies every three weeks, new data shows
Every Three Weeks, A Victim of Economic Abuse Dies: New Data Highlights Crisis
A recent analysis has uncovered that at least one person experiencing economic abuse in domestic relationships passes away every three weeks, often due to the actions of their current or former partner.
Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) described the findings as a “wake-up call,” underscoring that this form of abuse extends beyond financial matters. Their review of over 400 official death investigations in England and Wales revealed that 51% of cases involved economic control by a partner, with the majority of victims being women and perpetrators predominantly men.
Deeper Impact on Mental Health
The study noted that economic abuse was more frequently tied to suicides, highlighting its significant effect on victims’ psychological well-being. This form of coercive control can strip individuals of their autonomy, creating a cycle of dependency that feels inescapable.
“This report should be a wake-up call. Economic abuse isn’t just about money—it’s a core part of coercive control, and it kills,” said Sam Smethers, CEO of SEA.
Smethers added that the actual number of deaths may be even higher, as economic abuse often operates in tandem with other forms of control. “The toll is likely far greater than the data suggests,” he noted, emphasizing that these are not mere numbers but human stories.
Every year, the names of women killed by men are shared in parliament through the Counting Dead Women project, a collaboration that brings attention to the scale of this national crisis.
Methods of Economic Abuse Unveiled
The SEA report spans nearly 50 pages, detailing how abusers manipulate financial systems to maintain power. Tactics include restricting access to income, forcing sex work for monetary gain, and assigning domestic responsibilities that drain resources.
Other strategies involve depleting bank accounts, making victims bear household costs, and exploiting legal processes to trap them in abusive situations. These methods often go unnoticed, blending control with appearance of assistance.
Missed Signs and Systemic Failures
Frank Mullane, CEO of Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse (AAFDA), explained how economic abuse can be overlooked. “It may seem like partners working together—like one managing money while the other handles chores—but this can mask abuse,” he said.
“The signs of economic abuse can be easy to miss because it sometimes appears as help, and its progression is subtle,” Mullane told Metro. “Elderly women, for instance, might be more susceptible due to traditional views that men should handle finances.”
When combined with other forms of control, such as degradation or making victims feel unworthy, economic abuse can erode self-esteem. This creates a sense of hopelessness, increasing the risk of suicide or homicide.
Mullane highlighted that victims may be denied opportunities to build financial independence. “Forced loans with defaulted payments can damage credit ratings, leaving them without access to funds,” he explained. “Without money, escape becomes impossible, and the relationship can turn deadly.”
Advocacy and Awareness Efforts
On November 25, 2024, Metro launched “This Is Not Right,” a campaign targeting the ongoing epidemic of violence against women. Partnering with Women’s Aid, the initiative aims to spotlight the severity of the issue and foster public understanding.
Francesca Ferrier, Senior Economic Empowerment Partnership Manager at Refuge, stressed the growing complexity of economic abuse. “One in four women will face domestic abuse in their lifetime, and economic control is becoming a more pervasive element,” she said.
