The cost of freedom: Domestic abuse survivors forced to stay with abusers amid rising cost of living

Published

1 year ago

November 18, 2022

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It took seven years for Abigail to break free of her abusive relationship, but as the cost of living crisis deepens there are concerns others may not be able to break free.

More than three-quarters of domestic abuse survivors (77%) are finding it harder to escape these relationships, the charity Refuge has warned, as people are forced to choose between remaining with their abusive partner or risk destitution.

For almost a decade, Abigail (not her real name) was subjected to physical, mental, financial and sexual abuse – with the attacks becoming so violent on one occasion, she miscarried.

“The last resort for me was he drugged and violently raped me,” she told Sky News.

“And I think for me that was a wake-up call – because I could hardly walk. I just thought this person could kill me.”

But with her abuser’s name on the house, she was reliant on him financially and had to go to court to get him to take his name off the house.

“Simply put – I wouldn’t have been able to leave my abuser if this crisis was happening when I was trying to flee 10 years ago,” she said.

“I felt trapped as it was. One of the elements of abuse he used against me was financial. Alongside the physical and emotional abuse this economic abuse had a big impact when it came to leaving, he controlled everything.”

Abusers taking advantage of crisis

More than half of the frontline staff at Refuge said the cost of living crisis is leading survivors to return to their abusers.

Abigail’s partner would whisper in her ear: “He tried to tell me I was crazy. I couldn’t live without him.”

Refuge’s specialist technology-facilitated and economic empowerment team has seen an 87% increase in referrals for support with complex cases – they say this can be directly linked to the impact of the crisis.

The charity said it will need an additional £1m to address the growing costs of running its specialist services.

It warned perpetrators are also taking advantage of the cost of living crisis to increase economic abuse and control.

Some perpetrators restrict food and heating in an attempt to gain custody of children on the basis that survivors simply cannot afford to maintain a warm home and enough food.

Even seven years ago, setting out on her own was a struggle, said Abigail.

“At one point, I had £1.25 on my electric meter,” she said, adding that at one point she had to pay £1,500 in court costs towards the prosecution of her ex-partner.

He still owes Abigail thousands in child support.

As Christmas approaches, Abigail wants only the best for her four children – who were witnesses of the abuse – and has opened an Argos and Very account in a bid to afford presents.

“I have never had any credit cards before,” she said.

“I want to make sure my children have everything they want and need, but at the same time, I am already stressed when I think about how I am going to pay that off.”

Completely forgotten

One anonymous Refuge frontline worker said: “It feels like survivors of domestic abuse have been completely forgotten about in this crisis. I have clients whose financial situation is so difficult since fleeing that they are considering returning to their abuser.

“They are reliant on food and clothes banks, they have cancelled and cut back anything and everything they can, to be able to afford to pay their bills. This is having such a detrimental impact on survivors’ mental health and wellbeing.

“Some women are really worried about losing access to their children, they tell me that perpetrators are using this cost of living crisis to further their abuse, something we know as post-separation abuse.

“We are doing everything we can with the funding we have to support survivors – we are giving out more foodbank vouchers, more regularly and to more residents who are repeatedly requiring them, but this has led to foodbanks raising with us that they cannot repeatedly give out vouchers.”

Calls for emergency escape fund

Refuge has called on the government to create an Emergency Domestic Abuse Fund to help survivors flee their abusers. It welcomed the government uplifting benefits in line with inflation but implored it “not wait until next April to make this vital change”.

Ruth Davison, the charity’s CEO, said: “Survivors and their children are struggling now, and they need urgent action to weather the storm of price increases this winter. No one should be left choosing between ongoing abuse and violence or poverty and hunger.

“The reality is that nothing has changed for women and children experiencing domestic abuse in the autumn statement.”

The fund, she added, would ensure “no woman has to choose between financial stability and her physical safety”.

Some 94% of emotional abusers escape conviction, according to Home Office data – despite the fact incidents of controlling and coercive behaviour are on the rise.

The average cost of a divorce in the UK – including legal fees and lifestyle changes, such as needing to find new accommodation – is £14,561, a devastatingly high amount for people who may not have access to their own money.

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Figures from Surviving Economic Abuse and Money Advice Plus found 67% of survivors are already in a negative budget or have less than £100 surplus at the end of the month. They also have an average individual debt of £20,000 – six times more than in 2020, and it’s expected to get worse.

Shanika Hayes, a senior associate at Stowe Family Law, told Sky News: “They may not have their own employment, and even if they find themselves in a situation where they can leave and have their own source of income, their confidence is normally at the point where they feel like they are not worthy of that, or are not able to sustain that.”

For both men and women, the crisis is placing a strain on relationships that can see them edge into abuse.

“Financial issues can be a catalyst to abuse and it’s often the case that this is the straw that broke the camel’s back,” said Ms Hayes.

“Financial worries, whether that’s how they pay bills or increases to cost of living, that can worsen a relationship that is already abusive, or push one into that territory.”

Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline can be reached on 0808 2000 247, available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for free, confidential specialist support.

UK

Who could replace Humza Yousaf as Scotland’s first minister?

Published

3 hours ago

April 29, 2024

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Who could replace Humza Yousaf as Scotland's first minister?

Humza Yousaf has announced he is standing down as Scotland’s first minister and SNP leader.

Here are some of the potential contenders who could step up to lead the country.

Follow live: Humza Yousaf resigns as Scotland’s first minister

KATE FORBES

Kate Forbes narrowly lost out to Mr Yousaf in last year’s SNP leadership contest.

The former finance secretary faced backlash during her campaign after admitting she would have voted against gay marriage in Scotland when it was made legal a decade ago.

The Free Church of Scotland member also told Sky News that having children out of marriage is “wrong” and something she would “seek to avoid”.

However, the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch stressed that “in a free society you can do what you want”.

Ms Forbes had argued that “continuity won’t cut it”.

After losing to Mr Yousaf by 48% to 52%, she said: “If we are to continue to win elections, we need to continue to listen and maintain trust.”

Ms Forbes turned down the role of rural affairs minister, which at the time was seen as a demotion.

Although her views on social issues remain unpopular with some of her MSP colleagues, she was one of the few SNP ministers who did not delete her WhatsApp messages during the COVID pandemic.

Ms Forbes would face resistance from the Scottish Greens, who have previously ruled out working with her.

STEPHEN FLYNN

Stephen Flynn replaced Ian Blackford as the SNP’s Westminster leader in December 2022.

The Aberdeen South MP was touted as a potential future party leader by Joanna Cherry MP.

Ms Cherry praised his leadership, noting he was “tolerant” of opposing views and committed to addressing division within the SNP.

As he is not an MSP, that could block his chances of becoming first minister at Holyrood.

NEIL GRAY

Former journalist Neil Gray is Holyrood’s health secretary. He was promoted to the role in February after Michael Matheson resigned following a scandal involving an £11,000 iPad data roaming bill.

Mr Gray, the MSP for Airdrie and Shotts, previously served as an MP between 2015 and 2021 before making the switch from Westminster to Holyrood.

Mr Gray, who served as Mr Yousaf’s campaign manager in the SNP leadership contest, was previously the cabinet secretary for wellbeing economy, fair work and energy, and before that the minister for culture, Europe and International Development.

JENNY GILRUTH

Jenny Gilruth, Holyrood’s education secretary, is a former modern studies teacher and is married to ex-Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale.

The SNP MSP for Mid Fife and Glenrothes was a junior minister in Nicola Sturgeon’s government.

She was promoted from transport secretary to cabinet secretary for education and skills after Mr Yousaf took charge in March 2023.

Ms Gilruth is seen to be ambitious but was recently criticised by Scotland’s largest teaching union for failing to read its damning report on violence in Aberdeen schools.

SHONA ROBISON

Shona Robison could fancy her chances as Scotland’s leader following her stint as deputy first minister under Mr Yousaf.

Ms Robison, the finance secretary, has been the MSP for Dundee City East since 2003 and is a close friend of former first minister Ms Sturgeon.

She has previously held the post of health secretary, and as cabinet secretary for social justice, housing and local government was behind Holyrood’s efforts to pass the controversial Gender Recognition Reform (Scotland) Bill.

Following the breakdown of the Bute House Agreement, Ms Robison may face a challenge to hold onto her position if the SNP wish to replace those at the top of the chain in an effort to start afresh.

JOHN SWINNEY

John Swinney stood down as deputy first minister following Ms Sturgeon’s shock resignation in 2023.

The former SNP leader, who resigned from that post in 2004 following poor European parliament election results, could be tempted to once again step into the spotlight following his year on the backbenches.

He ruled himself out of the 2023 leadership race, citing that he had to put his young family first.

The MSP for Perthshire North, who was finance secretary under Alex Salmond’s government, has the experience to hold the fort following Mr Yousaf’s departure.

MAIRI MCALLAN

Mairi McAllan is a rising star within the SNP.

The MSP for Clydesdale was a special adviser to Ms Sturgeon and is now the wellbeing economy, net zero and energy secretary.

She faced a storm of criticism earlier this month after announcing the scrapping of the Scottish government’s key climate change target.

At the age of 31, Ms McAllan would become the youngest first minister.

As she is expecting her first child, with maternity leave expected to kick in during the summer until March 2025, it seems unlikely she will run for the top job.

UK

Two men charged with murder after man’s torso found in Salford nature reserve

Published

4 hours ago

April 29, 2024

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Two men charged with murder after man's torso found in Salford nature reserve

Two men have been charged with murder after a man’s torso was found at a nature reserve in Salford, police have said.

Greater Manchester Police said more human remains were discovered this morning in an alleyway close to railway lines in the market town of Eccles.

This follows earlier discoveries of human remains at two other locations – Blackleach Reservoir and Colliery Wood – as part of the investigation over the weekend in the Greater Manchester area.

Police believe the torso – consisting of the bottom of the back, buttocks and thigh – found at Kersal Dale Wetlands on 4 April belongs to a man in his 60s.

Officers have informed his family about his death, but have not yet identified him publicly.

The remains found at the other three locations are still to be tested, but police say they are confident they belong to the same victim.

Michal Jaroslaw Polchowski, 68, and Marcin Majerkiewicz, 42, both of Worsley Road, Eccles, have been charged with murder.

They are due to appear at Tameside Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, Greater Manchester Police said.

Assistant Chief Constable Sarah Jackson said: “We have had large numbers of officers, staff and specialists working diligently on this investigation over the last three weeks.

“It has been very much a large, collective effort, with the victim and family at the heart of it from the outset.

“We have specially trained officers deployed to support the family as they come to terms with this tragic news.

“They are aware of this morning’s further discovery and will continue to be kept up to date with how we are progressing.”

She said despite the charges brought today – “our work is far from over”.

“The scenes we already have established in Bury and Salford will remain in place for much of this week whilst our searches and inquiries continue,” she said.

“Local officers will continue to patrol the impacted areas to provide reassurance.

“We will continue following every line of inquiry to recover and reunite the victim with his family, bringing a dignified end to this terrible scenario.”

She added: “I’d like to thank the communities of Salford and beyond for their co-operation throughout this investigation.

“I know this incident has come as a shock, and the support we’ve had from those in the area is very much appreciated.”

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UK

Humza Yousaf resigns as Scotland’s first minister

Published

4 hours ago

April 29, 2024

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Humza Yousaf resigns as Scotland's first minister

Humza Yousaf has resigned as Scotland’s first minister after cutting ties with his government’s power-sharing partners.

The leader of the SNP, who only took on the role in March last year, has been at the centre of a chaotic few days in Holyrood after he made the surprise announcement to end his power-sharing deal with the Scottish Green Party on Thursday.

Mr Yousaf cut ties following a bitter row over the SNP’s climbdown on climate targets as he said the agreement between the parties had “served its purpose”.

But as a result, his former Green allies teamed up with the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats to get behind two no-confidence motio ns, one in himself as leader of Scotland and another regarding the entire Scottish government.

Ahead of any of those votes taking place, Mr Yousaf stepped down as Scotland’s first minister just after midday on Monday as he said he was “not willing to treat my values and principles or do deals with whomever simply for retaining power”.

He said he will remain in post until a replacement first minister is chosen.

Over the weekend, Mr Yousaf insisted he would not resign but by Monday morning his tune had changed and Sky News was told he was considering resigning.

He was due to meet the Alba Party’s sole MSP, Ash Regan, who was set to make demands in exchange for her support during a confidence vote. Her vote could have been the decider but he chose to step down before it came to that.

Announcing he was quitting, Mr Yousaf said he “clearly underestimated the level of heart and upset” he caused the Greens when he cut ties with them.

“To my colleagues in opposition, regardless of political party, genuinely, I bear no ill will and certainly no grudge against anyone,” he said as his voice broke while thanking his wife, children and family for “putting up with me over the years”.

Mr Yousaf said it had been “an honour” to serve as first minister of Scotland and it was a role he “could never have dreamt” of as a young boy growing up there.

The politician, whose parents are Pakistani and Kenyan, also said he is evidence multiculturalism has flourished in the UK.

“People who looked like me were not in positions of political influence, let alone leading governments, when I was younger,” he said.

“We now live in a UK that has a British Hindu prime minister, a Muslim mayor of London, a black Welsh first minister, and for a little while longer a Scottish Asian first minister of this country.

“So for those who decry that multiculturalism has failed across the UK, I would suggest that the evidence is quite to the contrary and that is something we should all celebrate.”

Mr Yousaf said he was proud to have overseen “the most progressive” tax system in the UK and played a part in lifting an expected 100,000 children out of poverty this year.

He added that he will continue to campaign for independence, which he said “feels frustratingly close” and he is “absolutely certain” his successor will achieve it.

The race to replace Mr Yousaf has now commenced, with several names in the fray, although none have officially declared they have thrown their hats in the ring.

Close ally of Mr Yousaf, John Swinney, former deputy leader under Nicola Sturgeon, is being touted as the favourite.

Stephen Flynn, the SNP’s Westminster leader, has also been mentioned as has Kate Forbes who lost out to Mr Yousaf during last year’s leadership contest.

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