Half of adults don't know what 'economic abuse' means and around one in four would miss signs that a friend's current or former partner was controlling their money, new research reveals.

A new online challenge has been launched to help people spot the common clues. It's important because victims are most likely to turn to someone they know for help, rather than a specialist service or charity.

Take the test yourself here: Can you spot the signs of economic abuse?

One in seven women - some 4.2 million of the 26.9million in this country - have experienced one or more forms of abusive behaviour involving their money over the past year, according to research by Surviving Economic Abuse and TSB bank.

Among them, two thirds were experiencing other forms of domestic abuse by a partner or ex, like being humiliated or repeatedly accused of infidelity, while one in five were being physically threatened.

Surviving Economic Abuse and TSB have partnered to help raise awareness via the online test, and to help people access support.

TSB runs a Flee Fund, which lets people access £500 to escape a dangerous abuser, and has helped 900 people since its launch in 2022.

But some 39 per cent of survivors have sought help or advice from a friend, family member or new partner, while 11 per cent have turned to an outside organisation.

This shows that friends and family are key to recognising economic abuse and helping someone to safety, says SEA.

Last month it surveyed more than 5,000 adults, weighed to be representative of the UK population, about their understanding of economic abuse.

Some 23 per cent said one or more of the six forms of behaviour listed below were definitely not or probably not economic abuse, although all are red flags. Some 36 per cent of young adults aged 18-24 failed to spot the signs, compared with 18 per cent of over-55s.

However, 26 per cent of young women in this age group were experiencing economic abuse, making them the most likely victims and highlighting that it's important people they know can recognise what is happening and help them.

The survey asked: If a friend told you they had experienced the following from a partner or ex-partner, would you consider it to be economic abuse? Has their partner or ex:

- Controlled, or tried to control, access to your friend's personal bank account

- Repeatedly refused to pay their agreed share of the rent, mortgage, household bills or childcare costs, despite having enough money to do so

- Prevented your friend from getting a job, training or studying or made it difficult for them to do so

- Refused to give your friend child support or maintenance or paid it unreliably when they could afford to do so

- Controlled, or tried to control, how your friend spent their own money

- Took out credit in your friends' name without their consent or because they were scared to refuse.

In total 2,844 women and 2,238 men were surveyed, and some questions regarding abuse were only asked of women. 

But SEA says while women are disproportionately affected, economic abuse happens to men too. See below for resources to help both women and men in this situation.

Spotting the signs challenge 

How to spot economic abuse and what you can do to help

SEA says these are common signs someone you care about might be having their money controlled by a partner or ex.

- Are they short of money or unable to buy inexpensive items even if they work?

- Have they asked to borrow money to pay bills or for essential items?

- Do they say their partner deals with all money matters?

- Are their wages or benefits paid directly into their partner’s account?

-  Are they counting the pennies, or seeking their partner’s permission before making any purchases?

- Have they left their work when they liked their job?

- Do they make excuses to not join friends for coffee and meals out?

- Do they wear ill-fitting or worn-out clothing?

- Do they not have the money to go to the hairdressers or buy personal items?

If you suspect economic abuse might be happening, SEA advises doing the following to support someone.

• Express concern - don’t ask too many questions, but say help is available and that they are not alone.

• Believe them – take time to listen and recognise it may take time to act.

• Provide practical help – offer a spare room or provide essential items like food, clothing and toiletries.

• Have information about domestic abuse services to hand.

Here are some sources of help for victims of economic abuse. 

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, is on 0808 2000 247.

Surviving Economic Abuse has information on what support is available, including how professionals like the police and banks can help.

SEA has worked with Respect to produce dedicated guidance for men who may be experiencing this form of abuse.

Men who need help can also contact Respect’s Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010327. This offers specialist, confidential advice and support to male victims of domestic abuse.

Spotting economic abuse could change and save a life

'Our research is a wake-up call,' says Sam Smethers, chief executive of Surviving Economic Abuse. 'Too many young people don’t recognise the signs of economic abuse, even though nearly one in four young women experience it – higher than any other age group.

'But this isn’t just a young person’s issue – we need to raise awareness across all generations so everyone knows how to spot and respond to this hidden form of abuse.

'We all know how to act when someone is in physical danger, but when someone’s economic freedom is stripped away, leaving them trapped with a dangerous partner, far too many people don’t know what to do.'

Smethers says SEA and TSB can help survivors rebuild their lives if they get in touch.

'By recognising and naming economic abuse, you can make the difference between someone staying trapped with an abuser and taking their first step towards safety. Simply spotting it could change and save a life.'

Kate Osiadacz, head of responsible business at TSB, says: 'The impact of economic abuse on individuals can be devastating, trapping victims in a spiral of debt and stripping them of their financial independence – and in the worst cases, leading to the loss of life.

'We hope the launch of this challenge will spark a conversation about economic abuse and help people spot the signs of this crime, so that survivors can identify and access the help they need.'