The hidden language of financial abuse

New AXA research1 reveals millions of adults in the UK are struggling to recognise the most obvious warning signs of financial abuse in relationships...

Illustration of two women appearing stressed having been denied access to money

61%

think financial abuse within romantic relationships is common

24%

would not consider a partner controlling their bank accounts to be abusive

Not seeing the signs:

  • 42%

    Said concealing financial paperwork wouldn’t raise concern

  • 40%

    Don’t see being denied access to their own passport or ID as a red fag

  • 40%

    Believe that someone always using cash over card could be easily dismissed as ‘normal’ or ‘not serious’ in a relationship

  • 21%

    Believe that being removed from an insurance policy could be easily dismissed as ‘normal’ or ‘not serious’ in a relationship

  • 69%
    think there's a public lack of understanding of financial abuse because it's kept hidden
  • 19%
    of Brits would describe their knowledge of financial abuse as poor or very poor

Domestic abuse often hides in plain sight. That's why our Specialist Support Teams are trained to understand, report and act to help all our customers, of any gender, who are experiencing domestic abuse. See how we're supporting domestic abuse survivors.

Footnotes

1 Survey conducted by OnePoll for AXA, with a sample of 5,000 adults in December 2025.