Article
Charitable TrustA strong partnership to transform responses to economic abuse continues
Aberdeen Group Charitable Trust has extended its partnership with Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA), the UK’s only charity dedicated to tackling economic abuse.
Author
Aberdeen Group Charitable Trust
Duration: 1 Min
Date: 21 Jan 2026
Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse that occurs when an abuser restricts, exploits or sabotages their partner’s access to money and economic resources. 4.2 million women in the UK experienced economic abuse from a current or former partner in the past 12 months – equivalent to 1 in 6 UK women[1]. It was recently described by the Prime Minister as a ‘national emergency’.
The partnership between SEA and the Trust will focus on tackling responses to coerced debt. A 2024 survey conducted by SEA found that one million UK women experienced a current or ex-partner taking out credit in their name without their consent or because they were scared to say no. This coerced debt leads to financial hardship and credit destruction. The consequences for victim-survivors can last long after the relationship has ended due to the impact on their credit report, often leaving them unable to access essentials such as accommodation, future credit, or even a mobile phone.
The Trust has committed £180,000 to establish a standardised financial sector response to coerced debt, that delivers more consistent outcomes including the restoration of victim-survivors’ credit scores.
Kristina Church, Chair of the Aberdeen Group Charitable Trust and Group Head of Sustainability at Aberdeen Group plc, said:
“Helping people take control of their money and future is at the heart of Aberdeen Group Charitable Trust. Economic abuse takes away that control, and our work with SEA is about changing that. By supporting women to escape abuse and rebuild their lives, we’re not only living our mission but also driving change across our wider sector. We’re proud to grow this partnership and excited about what we can achieve together."
Sam Smethers, CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse, said:
“We are incredibly grateful to Aberdeen Group Charitable Trust for extending its partnership with Surviving Economic Abuse and supporting this vital work. Their commitment builds on the real progress we have made with their support to date, working collaboratively with the financial services sector to transform responses to economic abuse.
“Survivors should not have to pay the price for an abuser’s crimes and deserve credit reports that reflect their creditworthiness, not the coerced debt. With the support of the Trust, we look forward to working with the financial services sector to make that a reality and help survivors rebuild their lives free from abuse.”
