Domestic violence organizations are reporting a significant surge in the use of technology and financial control by abusers, particularly in relation to coerced car finance agreements. According to data from Refuge, the largest domestic abuse charity in the UK, referrals for cases of technology-enabled or economic abuse increased by 78% over the past year.
From April 2025 to March 2026, Refuge’s specialized unit received 967 referrals, a notable rise from 542 the previous year. The number of cases where victims reported experiencing economic abuse more than doubled, climbing from 198 to 414.
Economic abuse can manifest in various ways, such as limiting access to funds or preventing a partner from reaching their bank accounts. Moreover, it can involve survivors being pressured into taking out loans or credit. In recent years, Refuge’s experts have observed a troubling uptick in cases related to car financing.
Zara*, a woman who received support from Refuge, shared her experience: “My ex-partner controlled many aspects of my life, and economic abuse was a significant part of that.” While they were still together, he coerced her into signing a car finance agreement, even though he was the one using the vehicle. After their separation, she returned the car to the dealership.
“I learned that I was responsible for an early termination fee of around £11,000,” she explained. “This was beyond my financial means, leading to missed payments that negatively affected my credit score. I had to work extra hours just to manage the debt from the car, along with other debts my ex had compelled me to incur.”
Nicole*, another survivor, recounted her experience: “My ex-partner was very controlling throughout our two-year relationship. I realized I was subjected to economic abuse when he took my car and registered it in his name without my permission. The police informed me that this was a civil matter and that I needed to reach out to my vehicle finance provider for help.” She also mentioned that he coerced her into paying for subscription services for a bike.
A third survivor, Sara*, expressed frustration over her experience at a car dealership: “Despite my reluctance and having an argument with my partner there, the sales staff allowed him to proceed with the lease in my name. Alongside emotional abuse, he dominated my financial situation, leaving me feeling dependent and afraid to confront his actions. Many debts were taken out in my name during our relationship, with the most significant being a luxury car financed for over £100,000.” She added, “I felt powerless to refuse because of his coercive behavior, which left me with a financial burden I never wanted.”
Refuge aims to assist survivors of economic abuse by providing support letters to help alleviate coerced debts. However, the charity is also calling for government intervention to create a working group that includes specialist support services, car finance providers, and credit reference agencies to tackle this growing issue.
Francesca Ferrier, Refuge’s senior economic empowerment partnerships manager, emphasized the need for change: “Many car finance providers and credit reference agencies lack the necessary skills and resources to recognize the signs of economic abuse, creating significant barriers for survivors trying to resolve their debts and regain financial independence.”
She added, “To achieve meaningful change, government action is essential. It is crucial to unite car finance providers, credit reference agencies, and specialist economic abuse services to better comprehend the risks survivors face and to develop a coordinated approach that ensures they receive the necessary support and protection.”
Research conducted by the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) reveals that over 1 million young women in the UK are experiencing economic abuse. An Ipsos UK study on behalf of SEA found that 36% of girls and young women aged 16 to 24 reported experiencing economic abuse from a current or former partner in the past year, equating to approximately 1.3 million individuals.
The research also highlighted that the issue affects teenagers, with nearly one in three girls aged 16 to 18 experiencing economic abuse in the last year. Alarmingly, close to one in five indicated that this abuse began within the first month of the relationship, a rate more than double that of women aged 22 to 24.
One survivor, Gabby*, reflected on her teenage relationship, where she shared a bank account and property with her partner, ultimately bearing the financial burden of the mortgage, bills, and debts while he continuously took her money without contributing. “At the time, I did not understand what economic abuse was,” she shared. “I thought sharing finances was just part of a relationship, especially when you’re young and trying to build a life together.”
She added, “My parents believed I was paying for everything because they raised me to be kind and supportive. None of us recognized that I was being controlled.”
Sam Smethers, the chief executive of SEA, remarked, “Our findings indicate that millions of young women and girls are subjected to control, isolation, and manipulation by abusive partners, often starting from the onset of their relationships. Disturbingly, half of these individuals report negative effects on their mental health. It is crucial for parents, educators, and professionals in the field to identify early warning signs.”
*Names have been changed for confidentiality.
