Economic and domestic abuse support
If you’re in immediate danger, call the police on 999. If you can’t talk, press 55 when prompted and they’ll try to find you.
We’re here for you
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic, economic or financial abuse, these sections can help:
What is domestic and economic abuse?
What does it look like?
Here’s how we can help
How to protect yourself and your money
More information and resources
What is domestic and economic abuse?
Domestic abuse is a type of coercive behaviour that’s used to gain and maintain power and control over someone. It can happen once or as a pattern, often developing over time. It also usually appears in more ways than one as the abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological, emotional and economic.
Economic abuse is the control of your money, as well as all the things money can buy. It can include anything from controlling your income and assets to limiting your access to basic essentials like food, clothing and utilities. It can also involve restricting who you speak to and your ability to improve your situation. Financial abuse, on the other hand, is a type of economic abuse that solely involves the control of your money and assets.
What does it look like?
Economic abuse is a type of domestic abuse. They both share similar behavioural signs and while there is often overlap, there are also specific signs to look out for.
When it comes to domestic abuse, an abuser might:
Use threats as well as intimidation and humiliation tactics.
Try to hurt or control you physically, psychologically, sexually, or in other ways too.
Put limitations on what you do, who you see, or where you go.
When it comes to economic abuse, an abuser might:
Try to control your money by making it difficult for you to access it, spend it as if it's theirs, or make a fuss if they think you spend too much.
Take out credit or an overdraft in your name without you agreeing or knowing, also known as coerced debt.
Refuse to pay for their share, such as child support, mortgage repayments or household bills.
Make it difficult for you to work or access higher education.
Remove access to or hide shared money and financial information, like bank statements.
Send abusive payment references when trying to contact you.
Here’s how we can help
Seeking support can feel difficult, but if it's safe for you to reach out, there are a number of ways we can help.
How to protect yourself and your money
Keep an eye on your credit file to make sure no loans or debt have been taken out in your name without your consent.
Open your own personal account if it’s safe to do so, but be mindful that some documents may be sent to your address.
Regularly update your PIN numbers, security questions and passwords.
Go paperless with other bank accounts or use a different billing address. Your Starling account is paperless already.
Clear your browser history or use an Incognito Window so no passwords are saved and your online activity can’t be tracked.
More information and resources
If you’re in immediate danger, call the police on 999. If you can’t talk, press 55 when prompted and they’ll try to find you.
Get in touch with us
Call us directly at 0207 930 4450 or go to the Help section in the app.
It’s your money
If it’s safe to do so, download this leaflet for more information on economic and financial abuse.