UK charities have warned of a 'staggering' 78% annual increase in referrals for cases of technology-facilitated or economic abuse, highlighting a sharp rise in domestic abusers using finances for coercion.
Referral Numbers Soar
Between April 2025 and March 2026, there were 967 referrals to Refuge’s specialist unit – up from 542 the previous year. This represents a 78% increase in cases where abusers exploit technology or financial control to manipulate victims.
Survivor Stories
Zara, a woman supported by Refuge whose name has been changed, said: “My ex-partner was controlling in many ways, but economic abuse was a big part of this.” Her ex-partner coerced her into taking out a car finance agreement in her name, even though he was using the vehicle. After separating from him, she returned it to the car company. “It was then that I was informed I was liable to pay an early termination fee of around £11,000,” she said. “I couldn’t afford this, so I missed a number of these payments, which then impacted my credit score. I had to take on extra shifts at work to try to repay the car debt, as well as other debts which my ex had coerced me into.”
Another woman, Nicole, shared: “My ex-partner was incredibly controlling during our two-year relationship, but I realised I was experiencing economic abuse when he took my car and registered it in his name without my consent. The police told me this was a civil issue and that I had to contact my vehicle finance provider for support. He also had subscription payments for a bike, which he coerced me into funding.”
Call for Government Action
Francesca Ferrier, the senior economic empowerment partnerships manager at Refuge, said: “Many car finance providers and credit reference agencies lack the skills and resources to identify the signs of economic abuse, leaving survivors facing significant obstacles to resolving debt and rebuilding their financial independence.” She added: “Lasting change requires government action. The government must bring together car finance providers, credit reference agencies and specialist economic abuse services to better understand the risks survivors face and develop a coordinated, robust response that ensures survivors receive the support and protection they deserve.”
