ONE in seven women have had their money and economic resources controlled by another person in the last year, new research indicated today.

Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) commissioned a survey of 2,800 women.

Twenty-eight per cent of those with children in the household had experienced economic abuse, compared with 10 per cent of women without.

Women from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled women and younger women aged under 24 were particularly likely to say they had experienced at least one form of economic abuse.

Survivors who had heard the term “economic abuse” were more likely to seek help, the report said.

SEA chief executive Sam Smethers said: “Awareness is critical because those who are aware are more likely to get the help they need.

“Many are trapped in dangerous situations with an abuser or left with mountains of debt, homeless and experiencing this form of coercive control long after the relationship has ended.”

Safeguarding minister Jess Phillips said: “Tackling economic abuse — a true hidden crime — will be integral to achieving our ambition of halving violence against women and girls in a decade.”