- AXA UK has launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the hidden signs of domestic abuse, including projects with charities Women’s Aid and Smart Works
- Research shows almost a quarter (24 per cent) wouldn’t consider someone having financial control over their bank accounts as abuse
- 21 per cent of Brits also believe that being removed from an insurance policy could be easily dismissed as ‘normal’ or ‘not serious’ in a relationship
New AXA UK research reveals that millions of adults in the UK are failing to recognise the most obvious warning signs of financial abuse in relationships. AXA UK’s nationwide campaign, which launches today, aims to raise awareness of the hidden signs of domestic abuse, including projects with charities Women’s Aid and Smart Works.
The survey of 2,000 UK adults shows that despite being a common occurrence, financial abuse is not well understood. Dr Imren Sterno, Lead Consultant Clinical Psychologist at AXA Health, says many fail to recognise the obvious signs, dismissing things that we would recognise as ‘red flags’ in other people’s relationships because they want to believe their loved one has their best interest at heart.
The research shows that despite potentially indicating abuse, almost a quarter (24 per cent) of respondents would not consider a partner controlling their bank accounts to be abusive, while 40 per cent don’t see being denied access to their own passport or ID as a red flag. Alarmingly, 42 per cent said concealing financial paperwork wouldn’t raise concern, and 21 per cent of Brits believe that being removed from an insurance policy could be easily dismissed as ‘normal’ or ‘not serious’ in a relationship.
The research also highlights how easily financial abuse can go unnoticed. Almost one in five (19 per cent) don’t believe they would be able to identify if a friend or family member was being financially manipulated by a partner, while 68 per cent say this type of abuse is hidden most of the time and 62 per cent believe it happens behind closed doors.
When looking at the behaviours or patterns of financial abuse to be aware of, Dr Sterno suggests the key is to recognise changes in behaviour, including how someone interacts with the world and changes in their appearance. Signs include making excuses and reducing how much time they spend with their friends and family or they may be more withdrawn, less communicative and display more anxiety than usual.
Financial abuse often hides in plain sight, but even some of the most obvious signs can be hard to see. That’s why we’re working with Women’s Aid and Smart Works to raise awareness of the signs of financial abuse and offer practical assistance to those who may be experiencing it. We want to empower everyone to recognise the signs and help them find the words to seek help when they need it most.
We aim to protect what matters most and we have a valuable role to play in supporting our customers when they’re in need. That's why with expert guidance from charities, we have trained our call centre teams to support those who disclose that they are experiencing abuse.
Education and open dialogue are vital, with research showing there’s a gap in awareness around domestic abuse. Greater understanding can help prevent harm and ensure help is reaching those who may be struggling.
The research also shows growing public expectation for businesses to play a role, with 74 per cent agreeing that financial services companies should be doing more to raise awareness of financial abuse and support those affected. By working alongside charities such as Women’s Aid and Smart Works, AXA aims to increase understanding and improve access to vital support.
Fronting the campaign is Anna Williamson, TV presenter and relationship and life coach. Having experienced financial abuse in a past relationship, Anna is helping to raise awareness of the issue and share how AXA UK is supporting victims and survivors.
Having experienced financial abuse myself, I know how easy it is to miss the signs. It isn’t always obvious, and that’s what makes it so dangerous. It can sound like everyday conversations about money – who’s ‘better with the finances’, what’s ‘sensible’ to spend or why certain decisions are being taken out of your hands.
Over time, that language can become a way of controlling someone and leaving them feeling trapped. This campaign is about raising awareness of this issue and letting people know that support is available.
For more information, please visit https://www.axa.co.uk/about/inside-axa/domestic-abuse/.
Further support for victims and survivors can be found here: https://womensaid.org.uk/information-support/
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