One in five men aren’t aware of common and dangerous form of abuse

Warning: This article contains discussion of domestic violence, which some readers may find distressing.

New research has revealed a troubling gap in young men's understanding of abusive behaviour, with experts warning that a harmful form of coercive control remains widely misunderstood.

Coercive control has been a criminal offence in England and Wales since 2015, reflecting growing recognition that domestic abuse extends beyond physical violence.

It is a pattern of behaviour used to dominate and restrict another person's freedom and their everyday behaviour. This may occur through tactics like intimidation, isolation, and gaslighting, however one tactic is still misunderstood.

Nearly one in five men aged 18 to 24 do not recognise controlling a partner's spending as a form of abuse, according to new research published by the UK Home Office and Surviving Economic Abuse.

Financial abuse is one of the tactics present in coercive control.

Financial abuse is a form of abuse (Getty Stock Image)

The survey found that 19% of young men said controlling how someone spends their money was ‘probably not’ or ‘definitely not’ abusive behaviour, highlighting ongoing gaps in public understanding of economic abuse.

The findings, released in June 2026 and based on research conducted by Ipsos UK, have prompted renewed calls for greater awareness of coercive and controlling behaviours within relationships. Campaigners warn that economic abuse, which can include restricting access to money, monitoring spending, or creating financial dependence, is often overlooked despite being recognised as a form of domestic abuse.

Some individuals may not initially recognise financial or economic abuse Nicola Meldrum, Partner at family law solicitors, Rayden Solicitors, provides examples of what it may look like.

“Economic abuse is a form of control in that it impacts a person’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain their own money and resources,” Meldrum explains. “This could include, but isn’t limited to, restricting someone’s ability to work, building up debt or taking out credit in the other person’s name without consent, withholding money, or controlling bank accounts.

“it’s not only confined to romantic partners, either - it can also come from a family member, friend or carer. This could mean someone misusing money they’ve been trusted to manage, or pressuring a person to change their will.”

Experts are warning that economic abuse constitutes a form of coercive control (Getty Stock Image)

Meldrum adds that bank transfer payment references can be used to send abusive or harassing messages. Banking apps, digital wallets and shared accounts have made financial control ‘easier’ and it should be discussed more often as it sometimes goes unnoticed.

“Things like real-time spending notifications can be used to monitor a partner's every transaction; access to app-based accounts can be granted and withdrawn at will; and credit can be taken out remotely with ease.”

Meldrum adds: “Over time, that can develop to a point where the victim has no independent access to funds, no financial record of their own, and no safe way to leave."

Financial abuse is a form of domestic abuse, Meldrum explains. Coercive or controlling domestic abuse is punishable by up to five years imprisonment, ‘Even if the crime falls short of physical abuse’.

If you or your children are in immediate danger, call the police on 999. In cases where you suspect financial abuse, speak to a solicitor as soon as possible to consider your position as each case has different circumstances and tailored advice is needed.

"Controlling someone's money is abuse. Full stop. The law recognises it, the courts can act on it, and no one should feel they have to face it alone.”

What you can do

When money is shared in joint accounts

"Many couples have a joint account to share access to money and pay bills. You do not have to agree to open a joint account. If you already have a joint account, you can ask the bank to freeze the account. This means neither you nor your partner would be able to take money out of the account. This action could increase your risk of harm, so taking expert advice from a domestic abuse specialist might help to ensure you can manage a problematic joint account safely."

Maintaining security

"Make sure you, and only you, know your PINs and online banking passwords. If you think your partner has access to your PIN or password, you could consider changing them."

Be clear about what is in your name and what is not

"Such as your joint assets, tenancy agreements, mortgages, bank accounts and credit cards. This will give you a clearer picture of your financial situation. In addition, ensuring key documentation is safely accessible remains vital."

Contact The Survivors Trust for free on 08088 010 818, available 10am-12.30pm, 1.30pm-3pm and 6pm-8pm Monday to Thursday, 10am-12.30pm and 1.30pm-3pm on Fridays, 10am-12.30pm on Saturdays and 6pm-8pm on Sundays.