Coerced debt is generated through financial transactions that a victim of intimate partner violence is told to make (or is aware of the abuser making in their name) in a context where there are negative consequences for non-compliance. Examples of coerced debt may include: being made to have sole responsibility for a lease/mortgage/utility service/household bill; taking out a loan/mortgage/credit card; or purchasing an item on credit. Paying back debt creates a financial obligation that absorbs income that would otherwise enable a victim to leave an abuser and live independently. Coerced debt is also linked to credit damage, which may then act as a barrier for survivors to rebuild their lives.

Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) is the UK charity raising awareness of economic abuse (including coerced debt) and increasing the capacity of those who come into contact with victim-survivors to respond. The charity is seeking a pro bono legal professional to provide an overview of the basic principles of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and the Consumer Rights Act 2015 and to set out potential remedies for common coerced debt scenarios. This piece of work would also address whether the legislation is fit for purpose.

If you are interested and would like to explore this further then please contact SEA’s Director: Nicola.Sharp@survivingeconomicabuse.org