In October I will be running the Birmingham Half Marathon in aid of Surviving Economic Abuse, a cause that is close to my heart.

Those that know me well will know I’m not a natural runner and spent the first 20 or so years of my life avoiding sports like the plague. But each one of those 13.1 miles will be worth it if I can help raise money for a worthwhile cause.

https://www.endeconomicabuse.com

Two women a week in England and Wales are killed by a partner or former partner. Three women a week die by suicide as a result of domestic abuse. Abuse can take many forms, including economic abuse (the most prevalent form of post-separation abuse as it does not require physical proximity.)

Economic abuse rarely happens in isolation and 86% of those reporting economic abuse also experience other forms of abuse. Those experiencing economic abuse are 5x more likely to experience physical abuse. 

45% of those experiencing economic abuse are in debt as a result of the abuse and the financial impacts of this abuse can be significant and long-lasting. Many of the experts by experience we work with are still experiencing the impacts of abuse decades post-separation in terms of depleted financial resources, ruined credit etc. 

With economic abuse being exacerbated and even facilitated by some governmental policies including no recourse to public funds and Universal Credit, SEAs work is more important than ever.