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Being in debt can be extremely worrying for anyone, especially ifthe debt has been caused by an abusive partner.
If you have been forced to make transactions that led you intodebt, or if you have had debts fraudulently built up in your name,this resource is for you. It provides information about this type ofdebt – known as coerced debt – and the possible solutions.
“I was told there was nothing that could be done as the debts were in my name, so I had to start paying them off.”
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Understanding coerced debt
Domestic abuse takes many forms anddoes not always involve the use of physicalviolence. Some abusers repeatedly dictatetheir partner’s choices and control theireveryday actions, becoming violent orthreatening to become violent if theirdemands are refused. This pattern ofbehaviour is a form of abuse known ascoercive control.
Coercive control is a way of intimidating,isolatingand controlling someone,1 and isalmost always perpetrated by a male abuseragainst a female victim.2
“If I didn’t have enough cash to pay for what he wanted, he would give me an ultimatum – what would cost more: to buy him what he wanted or the cost of the damage he would do when he smashed everything in sight. So I got my credit card out and ended up with £3,000 worth of debt.”
An abuser may restrict or control howyou acquire,useand maintain moneyand economicresources, includingaccommodation, food and clothing.3 Thisis known aseconomic abuse, and it iscommonly experienced within the context ofcoercive control.
Forcing or coercing someone into debt isa common form of economic abuse.
“I am not a stupid woman; this could happen to anybody.”
If you have been coerced into debt by anabusive partner, you are not alone. Coerceddebt isvery common.
One study suggests that 1 in 10 women hashad debts put in her name and was afraidto say no.4 It is even more common amongthose who have experienced other forms ofdomestic violence.
In SEA’s work with women who haveexperienced domestic violence, 50 percent said they had been made to take out aloan or buy something on credit when theydid not want to. 43 per cent said that theirpartner had built up debt in their name. 33per cent said that their partner had taken outa loan or bought something using credit intheir name without their permission.5
Types of coerced debt
An abuser may have coerced you into debtin any of the following ways:
- making you take out a credit card or loanagainst your wishes
- making you buy something on creditagainst your wishes
- taking out a loan,mortgageor credit cardin your name
- using your credit card
- using other sources of credit in your name,such as an internet account or phone
- putting bills in your name, includingcar finance agreements, mobile phonecontracts or catalogue payments
- forcing you into a position where youneed to take out credit to afford to live, forexample by stealing from you, taking yourwagesor making you buy things.
The nature of coerced debt means thereare negative consequences for not doing asthe abuser asks. Debt is the safest option.
“He applied for multiple loans in my name by using the app on my phone. Loans for over £50,000 in total.”
Coerced debt and technology
Advances in technology have made bankingmore accessible. For example, it is oftenpossible to apply for or extend a creditagreement online or using a banking app.
Access to credit through technology can,however, make it easier for an abuserto coerce someone to take out credit.
It is much harder for a lender to know ifsomeone is being forced to take out creditwhen an application is made online.
Refuge’s Tech Safety website has more information that may be useful.
“I was with an abusive partner for five years. Throughout the relationship he managed to get me into £30,000 worth of debt. I will be in debt for the next 20 years of my life.”
The impact of coerced debt
“He continues to thwart my ability to rent or own a property, to work, to qualify… four years after leaving him, I’m as controlled by him as I always was.”
Perpetrators of economic abuse oftenuse debt to gain power and control overtheir partner.
Being in debt can cause financial instabilityand make you dependent on the abuser.
Any available money is often spent payingback debts, which can leave you withoutthe means to leave and live independently.For example, you may not be able to afforda deposit for a place tostay, ormay nothave the train or bus fare needed to leave.Coerced debt can, therefore, put your safetyat risk and trap you in a relationship withthe abuser.
Abusers often use controlling behaviourin relation to the debt. This may includehiding the extent of the debt or refusing tolet you pay on time, if at all.6 Coerced debtis, therefore, linked to credit damage, whichcan have long-term effects.
Tackling coerced debt
Depending on your situation, there are a number of possible solutions to coerced debt. There are advantages and disadvantages toeach debt solution. The right option willdepend on your circ*mstances.
It is important to seek debt advicebefore taking any action.If you have beencoerced into debt by an abusive partner, aqualified debt adviser can talk you throughthe options available to you based on yourspecific situation.
There area number oforganisations thatyou can contact for support, information andadvice if you have been coerced into debt.See our resource onOrganisations that canhelpfor the full list.
Last updated September 2021
Further support
If you are experiencing economic abuse, youare not alone. We have more information thatcan support you to take steps towards safetyand begin to regain control of your finances.
References
- Stark, E. (2007) Coercive control: How men entrapwomen in personal life. Oxford: Oxford UniversityPress.
- Sharp-Jeffs, N. with Learmonth, S. (2017) IntoPlain Sight: How economic abuse is reflected insuccessful prosecutions of controlling or coercivebehavior. London: SurvivingEconomic Abuse.
- Adams, A. E., Sullivan, C. M., Bybee D., andGreeson, M. R. (2008. Development of theScale ofEconomic Abuse. Violence Against Women 14(5):563–587.
- Sharp-Jeffs, N. (2015) Money Matters: Researchinto the extent and nature of financial abuse withinintimate partner relationships in the UK. London:Refuge and The CooperativeBank.
- Surviving Economic Abuse, (2019), MidtermReport of the Economic Justice Project.
- Littwin, A. (2012) Coerced Debt: The Role ofConsumer Credit in Domestic
