Digital Finance Abuse Affects One in Five Young Women in the UK

Scope of the problem

Recent research by the charity Surviving Economic Abuse shows that nearly one in five young women and girls in the United Kingdom have experienced digital financial abuse by a current or former partner. The study surveyed a large group of respondents and found that abusers are increasingly using banking apps, online payment services and digital credit platforms to control and exploit victims.

Key findings from the Surviving Economic Abuse report

• 20% of women aged 16 to 30 reported that a partner had accessed or manipulated their bank accounts without permission.
• More than half of those affected said the abuse prevented them from leaving the relationship.
• Digital credit products were used to create debt in the victim’s name, often without their knowledge.
• Victims frequently reported feeling isolated because the abuse was hidden within everyday technology.

These figures align with broader data from UK domestic abuse statistics, which show a rise in economic control as a component of intimate partner violence.

How digital financial tools become weapons

Technology that was designed to make money management easier is now being repurposed as a tool of coercion. The anonymity and speed of online platforms give abusers new ways to exert power.

Banking apps

Many abusers obtain login credentials through intimidation, phishing or by simply watching their partner enter passwords. Once inside, they can freeze accounts, transfer funds, or change contact details to block the victim from accessing support.

Online payment platforms

Services such as PayPal, Venmo or similar UK‑based apps allow instant transfers. Abusers use these features to demand payments for “household expenses” or to punish victims by withholding money.

Digital credit services

Buy‑now‑pay‑later schemes and short‑term loans are often approved with minimal verification. Partners exploit this by opening accounts in the victim’s name, racking up debt that later damages credit scores.

Impact on young women and girls

The consequences extend far beyond the immediate loss of money. Financial control can erode confidence, limit educational opportunities and trap victims in unsafe environments.

Financial dependency

When a partner controls all sources of income, the victim may lose the ability to pay for rent, transport or basic necessities. This dependency makes it harder to seek help or relocate.

Barriers to leaving abusive relationships

Without access to personal funds, victims cannot afford legal representation, safe housing or even a phone to call a helpline. The digital nature of the abuse often means the victim is unaware of the full extent of the financial damage until credit reports reveal hidden debts.

Legal and policy response in the UK

While the UK has laws that address domestic abuse, economic abuse is only recently being recognised as a distinct offence.

Existing protections

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 includes provisions for economic abuse, allowing courts to issue injunctions that restrict an abuser’s access to a victim’s finances. The Office for National Statistics has begun collecting data specific to financial control within intimate partner violence.

Gaps and recommendations

Advocates argue that more explicit guidance is needed for banks and fintech companies to identify suspicious activity linked to abuse. Training for frontline staff, clearer reporting pathways and stronger data‑sharing agreements are repeatedly called for.

Support resources and steps to take

If you suspect you are a victim of digital financial abuse, there are several practical actions you can consider.

Immediate help lines

• National domestic abuse helpline (UK): 0808 2000 247
• Women’s Aid: Women’s Aid website
• US domestic violence hotline: 1‑800‑799‑SAFE (7233)
• Australia family violence counselling: 1800 737 732

Financial safety tips

1. Change passwords on all banking and payment apps as soon as you feel unsafe.
2. Set up two‑factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.
3. Monitor credit reports regularly for unexpected accounts or loans.
4. Consider opening a separate bank account that the partner cannot access.
5. Keep records of any unauthorised transactions for potential legal action.

What can tech companies do

Financial technology firms have a responsibility to protect users from abuse. Several measures can be introduced without compromising user experience.

Design safeguards

Integrating alerts that flag unusual activity, such as rapid changes to account details, can prompt users to verify actions. Providing easy‑to‑access privacy settings that allow victims to hide certain features from shared devices is also valuable.

Reporting mechanisms

Platforms should offer discreet reporting channels that do not require the victim to disclose personal details in an unsafe environment. Partnerships with domestic abuse charities can help streamline referrals to professional support.

Digital finance has the power to empower, but when misused it becomes a weapon of control. Recognising the signs, strengthening legal frameworks and encouraging tech providers to embed safety features are essential steps to protect the young women and girls who are most vulnerable.