Research conducted by the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) indicates that nearly 4 million children in the UK are affected by economic abuse within their families. This form of abuse often involves a current or former partner controlling the family’s finances, which can hinder access to essential resources for both mothers and their children. Data reveals that 27% of mothers with children under 18 reported experiencing economic abuse in the past year.
The study highlights various tactics used by perpetrators, such as denying access to bank accounts, withholding child maintenance, and misappropriating children’s funds like pocket or birthday money. As a result, many children face shortages of basic necessities, including clothing and food. Specifically, about a third of the mothers surveyed reported that their ex-partners failed to provide consistent financial support for their children despite having the means to do so. Moreover, one in six mothers stated that their partner had unlawfully taken money intended for their children.
SEA’s chief executive, Sam Smethers, emphasized the harmful nature of economic abuse and its impact on children. The research findings have prompted calls for immediate action from the government, including the publication of a long-awaited Violence Against Women and Girls strategy that specifically addresses economic abuse. Smethers advocates for closing loopholes in the child support system that abusers might exploit.
Additionally, the findings reveal that mothers are three times more likely to experience economic abuse than women without children. This is the first formal investigation by SEA into the effects of economic abuse on young individuals. Government minister Jess Phillips underscored the importance of addressing economic abuse as part of broader efforts to reduce violence against women and girls, affirming that children will remain a priority in these initiatives.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/dec/02/almost-4-million-children-in-uk-affected-by-economic-abuse-charity-finds