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Coercive Control & Economic Abuse: What It Is, How It Affects Women, Girls, Boys & Men And Where to Get Help
Coercive control and economic abuse are two of the most pervasive yet misunderstood forms of domestic abuse. They do not discriminate women, girls, boys, and men can all be targeted. Understanding the signs is vital for early intervention, safety planning, and recovery.
This expert guide from THECBDEXPERT.CO.UK explains:
✔ What coercive control is
✔ How economic abuse works
✔ Who is affected
✔ Warning signs to look for
✔ How to get confidential support in the UK
What Is Coercive Control?
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour that strips a person of freedom and independence. It is often subtle, escalating over time, and designed to dominate, isolate, or intimidate.
Common Tactics Include:
- Monitoring daily activities, phone use, or social media
- Isolating someone from friends, family, or support networks
- Gaslighting and emotional manipulation
- Threats (towards the victim, children, pets, or themselves)
- Controlling personal choices (clothing, work, social life)
- Creating dependency by undermining confidence or self-esteem
UK law (Serious Crime Act 2015) recognises coercive and controlling behaviour as a criminal offence.
What Is Economic Abuse?
Economic abuse is a form of coercive control where one person restricts another’s financial independence, resources, or access to essentials.
Examples of Economic Abuse:
- Controlling or withholding money
- Preventing access to bank accounts
- Monitoring spending or demanding receipts
- Sabotaging work or education
- Building debt in the victim’s name
- Refusing to contribute to shared household expenses
- Blocking the victim from housing, benefits, or financial support
In the UK, economic abuse is explicitly recognised under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
Who Is Impacted?
Coercive and economic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of gender, age, culture, or background.
Women & Girls
Women are the most frequent targets, often due to systemic inequalities and financial dependence within relationships. Girls may also experience these behaviours in teen relationships, where early control can escalate into adult abuse.
Men & Boys
While less commonly reported due to stigma, men and boys can and do experience coercive control and economic abuse. Many hesitate to seek help, fearing disbelief or shame.
Across All Groups
- LGBTQ+ relationships
- Immigrant communities
- Individuals with disabilities
- People with limited financial resources
No group is immune.
Signs Someone May Be Experiencing Coercive or Economic Abuse
Emotional or Behavioural Changes
- Appearing anxious, withdrawn, or scared
- Constantly “checking in” with their partner
- Cancelling plans suddenly or isolating themselves
Financial Indicators
- Never having money, despite working
- Relying on their partner for basic items
- Unexplained debt or changes in credit score
- Not being allowed to work or study
Control & Monitoring
- Fear of making their partner angry
- Sudden loss of access to a phone, car, or online accounts
- Partner shows excessive jealousy or possessiveness
Why Victims Don’t “Just Leave”
Leaving an abusive relationship is extremely complex. Victims may face:
- Fear of retaliation
- Children being used as leverage
- Financial dependency
- Immigration status concerns
- Shame or stigma
- Isolation from support networks
- Lack of access to secure housing
Understanding these barriers is crucial to providing compassionate, non-judgemental support.
Where to Get Help in the UK (Confidential Support)
Below are trusted, confidential support services offering advice, safety planning, financial guidance, and emergency help.
1. National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Women & Children)
0808 2000 247 – 24/7
Run by Refuge. Offers confidential support, emergency safety guidance, and access to refuges.
2. Men’s Advice Line (Men & Boys)
0808 801 0327
Practical and emotional support for male victims of domestic and economic abuse.
3. Women’s Aid
Online support, live chat, and resources including the Survivors’ Forum.
Women’s Aid also offers the Rail to Refuge scheme for free emergency travel to a safe location.
4. GALOP (LGBTQ+ Individuals)
0800 999 5428
Specialist support for LGBTQ+ survivors of abuse and coercive control.
5. Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA)
A leading UK charity dedicated to raising awareness and offering financial guidance for victims of economic abuse.
Resources include:
- Benefits and welfare advice
- Debt support
- Banking safety
- Financial independence tools
6. Childline (Children & Young People)
0800 1111 – Free, confidential support for anyone under 19.
7. The Police – Emergency Situations
999 for emergencies.
If speaking is dangerous, use the Silent Solution: press 55 after calling 999 to signal distress silently.
How to Support Someone You Suspect Is Being Controlled
- Listen without judgement
- Offer reassurance, not pressure
- Don’t criticise the abuser (it may push them away)
- Ask how you can help
- Provide information on specialist organisations
- Help them create a safety plan if they choose to leave
Final Thoughts: Everyone Deserves Safety and Freedom
Coercive control and economic abuse are powerful, invisible tools used to dominate and silence victims. By raising awareness, recognising the signs, and knowing where to turn for help, we can protect ourselves and those we care about.
If you or someone you know is experiencing these issues, you are not alone, and help is available today.