Understanding Economic Abuse

Almost a million women are trapped in dangerous relationships because of economic abuse, figures from a dedicated charity suggest.

Economic abuse is now a legally recognised form of domestic abuse. It could include not allowing access to cash or bank accounts or the things money buys like food and clothing.

The charity Surviving Economic Abuse reports that 1 in 7 women in the UK have experienced this kind of control and coercion at the hands of a partner and we know that men can face it too.

Felicity Hannah is joined by Sam Smethers the CEO of Charity Surviving Economic Abuse and also solicitor Gary Rycroft.

Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Sarah Rogers Researcher: Emma Smith Editor: Jess Quayle

If you've been affected by any of the issues in this programme then details of help are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline, or you can call for free, at any time to hear recorded information on 08000 155 947.

(This episode was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday the 4th of December 2024)