We aim to make our website as accessible as possible. However if you use a screen reader and require debt advice you may find it easier to phone us instead. Our phone number is 0 8 0 0 1 3 8 1 1 1 1. Freephone (including all mobiles).
mum at the table with bills

Worried about money?

Debt happens. Let's deal with it.

Get help now

i All UK

What is coerced debt? Am I experiencing economic abuse?

Economic abuse is when a person uses access to money or other resources to control another person. It is often part of a larger pattern of aggression or threats.


Coerced debt is when someone:


  • Forces a partner, ex-partner or family member into debt or,
  • Builds up debts in their name

This can be painful and scary, but you are not alone. Help is available.

What is economic abuse?

Economic abuse is a form of domestic abuse.

It is a way to control a person’s behaviour, actions, feelings and thoughts.

What is coerced debt?

Coerced debt is a result of economic abuse.

It is usually part of a pattern of controlling or coercive behaviour.

Abusers may make their victims borrow money or take out debts using:


  • Mental and physical violence
  • Threats
  • Blackmail
  • Cutting off access to their own money or other resources. Such as utilities

How can we help you if you are a victim of coerced debt?

We can give you free and impartial debt advice. We will help you come up with a plan to:


  • Contact the people you owe
  • Understand your budget
  • Find a solution to deal with the debt that suits your circumstances

We can also refer to you to specialist organisations who are experts in coerced debt and economic abuse if you would like us to. We never do anything without checking it is okay with you.

When you get in touch with us, you can be sure that any conversation you have with us will be completely confidential.

We will work around your schedule to make sure:


  • You are in a safe place to talk
  • You only get documents you can safely access
  • Any contact from us is private or hidden

Find out more about how we can offer additional support.

How do I know if it is abuse?

It can be hard to recognise abuse at first. It often starts small or seems innocent. You may find ways to explain it or blame yourself.

Abusers do this on purpose to wear down your defences and make you doubt your senses.

Call 999 if you think you are in danger of harm.

What are the warning signs of coerced debt?

Look out for these signs if you are worried this is happening to you or a loved one.

1. Has your partner, or another member of your family, ever done any of the following?


  • Taken out credit in your name? Such as a mortgage, loan or credit card
  • Made you buy something you didn’t want to buy on credit?
  • Put bills in your name?

2. If they did any of the above, was it done:


  • Without your consent?
  • Without telling you?
  • After you asked them not to do that?

3. Do they threaten you to do things?


  • Sometimes
  • Quite a lot
  • On occasion

We are sorry if you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions. They are all signs of economic abuse. We urge you to find somewhere safe to go to and to seek help with the debt.

mum at the table with bills

Are you dealing with debts you did not want?

We can help with free and confidential advice.

Get help now.