1. Introduction
Economic abuse rarely happens in isolation and usually occurs alongside other forms of abuse, including physical, sexual and psychological abuse. Ninety-five per cent of cases of domestic abuse involve economic abuse.1Surviving Economic Abuse, Impact Report2022-23, 2023, The intention of this type of abuse is to create economic instability and/or make a person (often the partner of the abuser) economically dependent on another person, which limits their freedom. Without access to money and the things that money can buy, it is difficult to leave an abuser and find a safe place. Someone experiencing this type of abuse can become trapped in a relationship with the abuser, unable to resist the abuser’s control and at risk of further harm. In this way, economic safety underpins physical safety.