THE cost-of-living crisis is preventing women from escaping abusive relationships, a coalition of groups has warned as they called on ministers to urgently address the issue. 

In a joint statement, 80 leading women’s groups warn of the “devastating impact” of rising prices on women and children facing domestic abuse. 

Financial hardship has always been a barrier preventing women from escaping their abusers but the groups warn that soaring costs have exacerbated the problem.