Refuge, the charity supporting women and children against domestic violence, has launched new research which highlights an unexplored aspect of abuse - financial abuse.

89% of respondents who took part in a recent Refuge survey told the charity that economic abuse was a common part of their experience of domestic violence.

Economic abuse included things like interfering with a woman's access to employment or education, not being 'allowed to work' by a partner as well as being forced to take out credit cards and loans.

To help women facing the added problem of financial abuse Refuge has published a new guide - 'You can Afford to Leave' which can be downloaded from their website. It provides practical advice on things like pulling together all of your financial documents and investigating the housing options available as well as useful tools to help with budgeting and planning.

Commenting on the guide Woolley & Co managing partner Andrew Woolley said: "As family lawyers and divorce specialists we often act for clients who have been the victims of domestic violence and we are well aware of how difficult the financial challenges can be. This new guide looks like a great resource with some very useful tips and reminders."

Also See

• You can afford to leave - Refuge Guide
• Family and Divorce Lawyers