The only UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of
#EconomicAbuse
and transforming responses to it | Please note this account is not monitored 24/7.
We're absolutely delighted to share the news that SEA's founder and CEO
@nicolajanesharp
has been awarded an OBE in this year's Queen’s Birthday List 2020. Read the full story on our website
The post-separation abuse amendment is now in force across England & Wales. Controlling or coercive behaviour taking place after a relationship has ended may now be considered a criminal offence.
Will you join us in challenging use of the term ‘abusive relationship’ and name the abuser? Victims aren’t in an abusive relationship, they are being abused; they don’t leave an abusive relationship they leave an abuser. Let’s
#CallItOut
Last night (at a great
@WF_Women
event) I asked a group of fantastic women for one thing we could all do to challenge domestic abuse.
@nicolajanesharp
of
@SEAresource
asked us to eradicate the term relationship abuse and start calling out the abuser.
This week has been tough for many of us but here is some much needed
#GoodNews
!
A survivor who was referred to us by
@StepChange
with over £23,000 worth of
#CoercedDebt
from 4 different creditors, had the last of her debts written off just before Christmas! 🎉
"Coercive control is not caused by a ‘toxic relationship’" explains
@DrEmmaKatz
"Put simply, the problem is in the perpetrator, not the relationship."
#SEAWinterWebinars
The post-separation abuse amendment has finally come into force. This is a vital step forward in protecting victim-survivors from ongoing abuse and controlling behaviours. If you want to know how this change may affect you, check out our FAQ resource
We are thrilled to see the Domestic Abuse Bill finally gain royal assent and become law. We want to pay tribute to all the victim-survivors who bravely shared their experiences and the organisations who worked tirelessly to make this bill better.
There’s only one person responsible for
#domesticabuse
: the perpetrator. Yet less than 1% of perpetrators currently receive an intervention to challenge or change their behaviour. We’re proud to be backing a call on the government to publish a
#PerpetratorStrategy
#StopThisAbuse
Some of our team were lucky enough to see
@HSBC_UK
's special-build in Spitalfields Market yesterday!
This campaign is generating a huge response and helping to raise vital awareness of
#EconomicAbuse
. Yesterday's installation was such a clever way to bring the issue to life!
The draft DA Bill recognises
#EconomicAbuse
yet the no recourse rule undermines this - by denying victim-survivors access to the benefits and social housing they need to be safe. Not only is this rule discriminatory, it also facilitates abuse.
Currently, a third of women who experience economic abuse do not seek help, advice or information. This needs to change. We’re working hard to raise awareness of economic abuse and ensure that victim-survivors can access the information and support they need when it matters most.
🎉 Yesterday, the
#PostSeparationAbuse
amendment was accepted into the
#DABill
. Thank you to everyone involved in pushing for this vital amendment — but in particular, to the survivors and
#ExpertsByExperience
who led the call. You made this change happen. 💪
Did you know that every 20 minutes an economic abuse victim-survivor reports to the police? Yet survivors are being failed by the criminal justice system. Our latest report shines a light on this issue & what must change to ensure justice for victim-survivors.
#SeenYetSidelined
When a relationship ends, abuse doesn't always stop. Today is the beginning of post-separation abuse awareness week. Throughout the week, we are raising awareness of this issue & providing support for survivors. Stay tuned for insights & resources.
#PSAAW
@UkKaleidoscopic
The Government has committed to consider the issue of
#PostSeparationAbuse
further in taking forward the
#DABill
. Professor Evan Stark, author of 'Coercive Control' joins us in calling for the law to recognise that victim-survivors are
#StillNotSafe
unless this is addressed.
We're very proud to announce that our director (and all-round superwoman)
@nicolajanesharp
has been appointed as Visiting Senior Fellow in Social Policy at the School of Law and Social Sciences at the
@UniofSuffolk
. Congratulations Nicola!
One myth we're keen to bust is that
#EconomicAbuse
only affects people with lower incomes. Victim-survivors come from every socio-economic background. Sometimes, the more economic resources a survivor is perceived to have, the harder it is to find support.
We're expecting the
#PostSeparationAbuse
amendment to the
#DABill
to reach Committee Stage in the
@UKHouseofLords
tomorrow.
This amendment is vital. Perpetrators often continue to abuse after separation and victims are at higher risk of homicide during this period.
#StillNotSafe
"Coercive control doesn't stop when you split up, indeed it tends to intensify."
Thank you
@BertinGabby
for calling for an amendment to the
#DABill
to extend the offence of
#CoerciveControl
in the Serious Crime Act to post-separation abuse.
Delighted to announce that our inspirational CEO
@nicolajanesharp
has been named joint-winner of
@TSEawards
's Rising Chief Executive award for her tireless work to raise awareness of
#economicabuse
. We couldn't imagine a better leader. Congratulations from your SEA-sisters Nic!💜
The post-separation abuse amendment is now in force across England & Wales. Controlling or coercive behaviour taking place after a relationship has ended may now be considered a criminal offence.
#PSAAW
@UkKaleidoscopic
We’ve launched a survey to establish the needs of victim-survivors experiencing
#economicabuse
from a current or ex-partner during the
#COVID19
outbreak so that we call for tailored support. If you are experiencing abuse & are safe to input please see
We stand with organisations around the world in calling for an end to violence against women and girls. Economic stability is at the heart of women and girls' physical safety - together we can put a stop to economic abuse forever.
#16DaysOfActivism
#16Days
Non-payment of child maintenance is a common form of post-separation economic abuse.
Thanks
@carolinenokes
for raising lack of CMS enforcement with the Prime Minister. We are pleased he committed to look at where the government can do more - we now need action & a clear timeline
We’ve met many victim-survivors who hoped - even trusted - that a neighbour would alert the police. Pleased to support this statement - better to act on a concern than ignore it.
This morning we are pleased to issue a joint statement with domestic abuse charities and experts across the sector, explaining why it is so important we all take action if worried about someone's safety:
We’re working with
@womensaid
@jessphillips
and others to call for paid leave to be made a provision within the
#DABill
. Vitallly important victim-survivors are supported to maintain
#EconomicStability
if they need to flee/rebuild their lives safely and independently
Paid leave provides survivors of abuse with the time and space they need to manage their situation. New Zealand, the Philippines and other states offer paid leave for survivors, and we call on the British government to offer the same.
*NEW WEBINARS* We are very excited to announce that over the next two months we will be running a series of webinars to increase understanding and awareness of
#EconomicAbuse
. Sessions are free and open to everyone. Please RT to help spread the word!
It's Economic Abuse Awareness Day. Economic abuse is a lesser-known form of domestic abuse where abusers control a partner or ex-partner's money & the things money can buy. It makes it more difficult to flee often leaving survivors facing destitution and homelessness.
#EAAD23
We’re incredibly pleased to announce that our work on the post-separation amendment has made the shortlist for the 2022
@Charity_Awards
!
“It’s an honour to be shortlisted among so many impressive nominees." -
@nicolajanesharp
Roll on the award ceremony on June 16th 🥳
Today’s
@ONS
data makes it clear that economic abuse, where an abuser controls money and the things money can buy, is devastating the lives of victim-survivors. It makes it harder for them to leave and when they do flee, they often end up destitute and homeless as a result.
“I am a single parent and I always do the best I can for my son. We live hand to mouth and I struggle. On top of this, my ex uses the child maintenance service to continue the abuse.” – Survivor of
#EconomicAbuse
Escaping from abuse shouldn't mean selling your home to fund legal costs. The value of a survivor's home will now be disregarded when assessing their finances for the legal aid means test if they have fled their home temporarily.
Really proud of this piece on
@BBCNews
this Monday morning, which shares the story of Expert by Experience Group member *Annie*, who continues to help us raise awareness of
#economicabuse
> 'My husband ran up a £58,000 debt in my name' Read & RT her story.
“I am a single parent and I always do the best I can for my son. We live hand to mouth and I struggle. On top of this, my ex uses the child maintenance service to continue the abuse.” - Survivor of
#EconomicAbuse
.
#FixtheCMS
Congratulations to
@nicolejacobsST
on her appointment. She will bring valuable understanding to the role of DA Commissioner & we can’t wait to support her work to end the postcode lottery of domestic abuse services & address
#EconomicAbuse
#DABill
After the short break, amendment 149 will be discussed — and whether to extend the coercive control offence to include
#PostSeparationAbuse
. Thank you to all of our supporters — whether you are speaking in the
@UKHouseofLords
today or following along on Twitter.
#StillNotSafe
Huge congratulations
@AlexDaviesJones
on your appointment as Shadow Minister for Domestic Violence and Safeguarding! We look forward to working closely with you.
Thanks once again for sharing our research and bringing this vital issue to the House of Commons.
We now know that domestic abusers are controlling the finances of more than 5 million women in the UK.
This is a shameful record and the Tory Government has simply turned a blind eye for more than a decade.
Enough is enough. Watch my question below.
@SEAresource
Tomorrow, the
@UKHouseofLords
will be discussing amendment 149 of the
#DABill
, which calls for the Bill to include
#PostSeparationAbuse
. The law cannot abandon victim-survivors in their hour of need, when they are re-building their lives.
#StillNotSafe
Within our written submission to the Joint Committee on the Draft Domestic Abuse Bill, we're calling for: post-separation economic abuse to be recognised as an offence; economic abuse to be considered as a stand-alone offence & for victims of economic abuse to be compensated.
Incredibly important report launched by
@womensaid
today - The Domestic Abuse Report 2019: The Economics of Abuse - which explores the needs and experiences of survivors around finances, welfare, housing and employment. The stats speak for themselves. THREAD
We know that having to self-isolate only reinforces the coercive control you may be experiencing. If it is safe to do so, you can contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247 or access online support from
@womensaid
As it stands, the
#CoerciveControl
offence only recognises victims who live with an abuser and/or are in an intimate relationship with them. This means victims of post-separation abuse are on their own. This HAS to change.
#StillNotSafe
#DABill
@GraziaUK
The Prime Minister has set out out exceptions to the ‘stay at home’ rule from Thursday. If you are experiencing
#DomesticAbuse
you CAN leave. If you are in immediate danger call the police on 999 or the National DA Helpline 0808 2000 247 run by
@RefugeCharity
The law on controlling or coercive behaviour has evolved promising enhanced protection for victim-survivors even after a relationship has ended. Discover how recent amendments in England & Wales aim to empower survivors & redefine accountability.
Coercive control, including
#EconomicAbuse
, frequently continues post-separation. This is why we're calling for an amendment to the
#DABill
to extend coercive and controlling behaviour legislation to include post-separation abuse.
#StillNotSafe
One of the biggest misconceptions about domestic abuse is that once a victim-survivor leaves, they are safe. Unfortunately, this is not true. In fact, abusers often continue to control victim-survivors' ability to acquire, use and maintain economic resources post-separation.
On 5th Jan, the
#DomesticAbuseBill
will have a second reading in the House of Lords. We welcome the inclusion of
#EconomicAbuse
in the new statutory definition of
#DomesticAbuse
. However, it's vital that the Bill is amended to include post-separation abuse.
#StillNotSafe
*EXCITING NEWS!* We are delighted to announce that we have a BRAND NEW WEBSITE, jam-packed with resources and information to help survivors and transform responses to
#EconomicAbuse
.
#NewYearNewSEA
“Violence against women protections aren’t a special add-on. They’re fundamental to worker’s rights. If you work with people, then you work with victims of
#DomesticAbuse
.”
👏👏👏
@unisontheunion
@jessphillips
Abusers often use the festive season to further coerce victim-survivors into debt. If you' re being forced to make purchases that lead you into debt, or debts are being fraudulently built up in your name, find support on our website 🔗
Survivors have told us that they feel let down by statutory services. When these services lack an understanding of the dynamics of domestic abuse, their many policies and processes can actually end up facilitating further abuse.
#economicabuse
#ExpertsbyExperience
Absolutely delighted to be shortlisted for this years
#CharityAwards
in the campaigning and advocacy category for our policy work to get
#economicabuse
recognised in the statutory definition of the domestic abuse bill. Another huge achievement for our
#smallcharity
Children never just ‘witness’ domestic abuse; it always has an impact on them. The
#DABill
will recognise that children living in a house where one partner abuses the other also experience domestic abuse in their own right.
#SEAWinterWebinars
Really excited to announce our new campaign
#endeconomicabuse
with the release of a short film developed by
@MediaZoo
and new resources to raise awareness of
#economicabuse
. Visit to watch and find out more
October is
#DomesticViolenceAwarenessMonth
. A more representative name would be
#DomesticAbuseAwarenessMonth
. Domestic abuse takes many forms and does not always involve physical violence. Abusers may utilise multiple types of abuse to intimidate, isolate and control the victim.
Abuse isn't always physical. If a partner or former partner controls your access to money, housing, transportation, food or employment, you may be experiencing
#EconomicAbuse
.
Visit our Economic Abuse Guide for further information and support 👇
The post-separation abuse amendment is now in force across England & Wales. Controlling or coercive behaviour taking place after a relationship has ended may now be considered a criminal offence. Find out how this change to the law may affect you:
Welcome
@Ruth_ITV
! A prominent broadcaster and weather presenter for ITV Wales, Ruth is passionate about sharing her experiences of domestic abuse, including economic abuse, to help others. Ruth has spoken on platforms like Sky News, Woman’s Hour, and Steph’s Packed Lunch.
Perpetrators should be held accountable for economic abuse by being ordered to pay compensation to victim-survivors or having assets gained from their crime seized. The justice system must recognise the lasting impact of these actions & provide economic justice for survivors.
We are excited to announce that Surviving Economic Abuse, alongside our partners
@MoneyAdvicePlus
, has been awarded a grant of £1.7m by the National Lottery Community Fund.
Find out more -
@TNLComFund
#nationallottery
.
@BBCNews
reporting today on risks of being in the same house as an abuser for long amounts of time.
@leicspolice
urging people to call 999 in an emergency as they usually do.
@womensaid
safety advice highlighted, including link to our resource.
📣 The post-separation abuse amendment is in force across England & Wales
Controlling or coercive behaviour taking place after a relationship has ended may now be considered a criminal offence. Find out how this change to the law may affect you 👇
“The abuse doesn’t actually stop. Ever.”
Many perpetrators of economic abuse continue to relentlessly abuse victim-survivors long after they have physically left. This is why we want the
#DABill
to include the
#PostSeparationAbuse
amendment.
#StillNotSafe
We are leading the call to amend s.76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 so that controlling or coercive behaviour, including
#EconomicAbuse
is recognised and can be prosecuted post-separation. We know economic control commonly continues/escalates at this time.
Very worrying statement
@MoJGovUK
@ukhomeoffice
@DWP
@educationgovuk
- when child maintenance is deliberately withheld within the context of coercion & control then it IS abuse. It is linked to increased risk of homicide and ruins children’s life chances. This must be recognised.
Reports yesterday of 3 women killed by abusive partners - plus 2 children in one case - reinforce now more than ever the need to look out for our family, friends, neighbours & colleagues. Coercive control almost always involves
#EconomicAbuse
.
If you’ve taken the decision to leave an abuser, your mail might be the last thing on your mind. However, as our mail often contains important or sensitive information, it’s vital that you consider how an abuser may use this, even post-separation & take steps to protect yourself.
One in four women report that even once they leave an abusive partner, the economic abuse continues – in some cases this behaviour escalates or may even begin as other routes to control through physical proximity are closed down. Find out more:
Leaving an abuser is difficult, especially when economic abuse has left survivors with nothing. Starting anew, overcoming debts, & rebuilding economic stability can be overwhelming.
If you or someone you know is experiencing economic abuse, find support:
Today we’ve written to the leaders of all political parties asking that they write the
#DABill
into their
#GeneralElection2019
manifestos & highlighting how they can address missed opportunities such as making
#EconomicAbuse
a standalone crime.
"I can see my own money going into my own bank account. I get to pay the bills, sort out the car insurance. I get to choose what clothes I am going to wear. I have had to learn how to normalise these behaviours."
@Ruth_ITV
tells her story.
#EconomicAbuse
Perpetrator intervention programmes can play a critical role in tackling domestic abuse. However, it's vital that any perpetrator programmes also address abusive behaviours linked to money.
Half of victims I surveyed said they wanted support for the abuser to change. Yet just 7% received it.
Good to speak to
@sallynugent
@BBCBreakfast
this morning about the need for sustainable funding for domestic abuse services, including accredited perpetrator interventions.
One myth we're keen to bust is that
#EconomicAbuse
"isn't high risk" or urgent. Not only does economic abuse often accompany other forms of abuse, including sexual and physical violence, but it can prevent a victim-survivor from being able to get away from the perpetrator.
With 2 women a week being killed by their (ex)partners, we want to see a
#DABill
return to Parliament containing a full statutory duty on local authorities to commission vital domestic abuse services for all. We’ve signed up. Will you?
#Invest2EndAbuse
"For the first time there will be recognition of
#economicabuse
, highlighting the devastating impacts that perpetrators have on victims by restricting access to essential resources such as food and denying them means to improve their status."
A huge thank you to Baroness Lister for supporting amendment 149, quoting a victim-survivor who had written to her — "please give survivors protection from ongoing abuse after we leave, as this is often the most dangerous time for victims."
#PostSeparationAbuse
#StillNotSafe
*NEW RESOURCE* An abusive partner may exert more control over your economic situation in this period of uncertainty. This guide outlines how banks can help, including through the provision of temporary financial relief to those facing payment difficulties during
#COVID19
Q: What do you mean by 'economic abuse' — isn't that the same as
#FinancialAbuse
?
A: It can be helpful to think of financial abuse as a subcategory of
#EconomicAbuse
.
After tireless campaigning for an emergency fund for survivors of domestic abuse during the cost of living crisis, we are disappointed to have been informed by
@ukhomeoffice
that the fund will not be taken forward. Read our full response ⬇️
This time of year can be difficult for victim-survivors. On top of festive financial pressures, abusers can use the holidays to further coerce survivors into debt or control access to food & gifts. If you're experiencing abuse, you are not alone.
Find support on the SEA website
Four
#DABill
amendments rejected in the
@HouseofCommons
were reinstated in the
@UKHouseofLords
yesterday, including the serial perpetrator database & equal protection for all victims regardless of immigration status. The Bill now returns to the Commons for further consideration.