A recent report by the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (Sea) highlights the grim reality of economic abuse in intimate partner relationships, revealing that such abuse contributes to a death from homicide or suicide every 19 days. The charity's analysis of 454 domestic homicide reviews conducted between 2012 and 2024 indicates that economic abuse was present in more than half of the reviewed cases related to domestic violence, a statistic that underscores the often-underreported nature of this issue.

In 231 of the domestic homicide reviews, victims had suffered economic abuse at the hands of a current or former partner, highlighting the alarming frequency with which economic factors play into the larger context of domestic violence. Sam Smethers, the chief executive of Sea, argues that the prevalence of economic abuse may actually be underestimated, as some reports may fail to explicitly mention this type of abuse despite its significant impact. The findings illustrate that economic abuse is intertwined with various forms of violence, exacerbating the risk of severe outcomes for victims.

This report calls attention to the urgent need for better understanding and recognition of economic abuse within the framework of domestic violence. The charity advocates for increased awareness and support for victims, as addressing economic control is crucial for safeguarding their overall well-being and safety. Furthermore, the report sheds light on a critical area of domestic abuse that has often been overlooked in public discourse, suggesting that comprehensive strategies are necessary to combat all facets of domestic violence effectively.