CLAIM
This step is about actively reclaiming what was taken from you — financially, legally, your identity and your confidence .
Economic abuse often leaves people feeling that they are bad with money, or that they will always struggle. Those feelings were put there deliberately. They are not true.
What claiming looks like:
Challenging coerced debts — debts that were taken out in your name without genuine consent. Lenders that follow the Financial Abuse Code, and the standards set by the FCA’s Consumer Duty (FG22/5), are expected to handle these fairly. The Economic Abuse Evidence Form is your tool for this.
Applying to the Financial Ombudsman Service if a bank, lender or insurer treated you unfairly. This is free and they can order lenders to write off debt or change records.
Seeking legal advice on financial remedies in separation or divorce. Economic abuse is now explicitly defined in UK law under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (England and Wales) — see legal note below. A legal aid solicitor may be able to help you for free.
Claiming the financial support you are entitled to — grants, benefits, hardship funds. The FAR Project’s Resource and Grants Directory lists current funds available to you.
Reporting fraud to Action Fraud if accounts were opened or credit was taken without your knowledge.
Reclaiming your financial identity — building your own financial history, in your own name, on your own terms.
The law and your rights
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (England and Wales) gives statutory recognition to economic abuse as a form of domestic abuse. The criminal offence of controlling or coercive behaviour is created by the Serious Crime Act 2015 — economic abuse can form part of such behaviour. The Financial Conduct Authority’s Consumer Duty (FG22/5) sets a higher standard for how firms must treat customers, including those affected by abuse. Legal aid is available for domestic abuse cases subject to eligibility — call Civil Legal Advice: 0345 345 4 345.
Scotland: Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018. Northern Ireland: Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (NI) 2021.