If you’re facing economic abuse or living with its effects, your bank could be a key source of support. Please look through the Banking Support Directory to learn more about the support offered by major banks and building societies in the UK as provided by the wonderful organisation – “Surviving Economic Abuse”.
This directory includes information about the support that some of the UK’s major banks and building societies can offer if you have experienced economic abuse.
The following information is taken from Surviving Economic Abuse Website and I would highly recommend that you take some time to visit not only the link I will post below but to see how they can help.
“How your bank may be able to help
If you have experienced economic abuse, your bank or building society may be able to support you.
If it is safe to do so, speaking to someone at your bank or building society can help you take steps to regain control of your money. This may include de-linking your finances from those of the abuser and suggesting ways of ensuring that the abuser cannot access your banking information.
Many banks and building societies have signed up to the Financial Abuse Code. This Code suggests specific ways in which they can support vulnerable customers. If your bank has signed up to the Code, there may be more they can do to support you.”
There are around 30 banks who have signed up to this including some of the major banking institutions such as Santander, Lloyds Bank, NatWest and Nationwide Building Society.
Here are a few examples
A) Support available for vulnerable customers at Santander
Santander has a ‘Tell us once’ initiative. This means that details of your story will be kept on your file, with your consent, so you don’t need to repeat it every time you get in touch.
Branches offer a Safe Space for people experiencing domestic abuse to access support.
B) Support for vulnerable customers at HSBC UK include:
- receiving a new card
- changing PINs and passwords
- changing your correspondence address
- changing who can access your account
- managing joint accounts
- removing secondary cardholders from a credit card
- managing debt.
HSBC UK branches offer a Safe Space for people experiencing domestic abuse to make it easier for you to access support.
Please visit the following link for information and support.
https://survivingeconomicabuse.org/i-need-help/banking/how-banks-can-help/
Women’s McKenzie Friend. Mary and Gemma from Women’s McKenzie Friends are experienced in supporting women going through financial proceedings within the family court and specialise in supporting women who have/are experiencing domestic abuse which in many cases involves economic abuse. Please get in touch with us for a free half an hour consultation where we can offer you guidance and support with your case if you are seeking Financial settlement on divorce. You do not need to be alone.
Author Mary Cosker