The October 2024 Resolution Report ‘Domestic abuse in financial remedy proceedings’ sheds a critical light on the intersection of domestic abuse and financial remedy proceedings in the UK. It highlights how economic abuse—a form of coercive control where abusers manipulate financial resources—can extend well beyond the end of a relationship. Victim-survivors often face continued abuse through delayed settlements, hidden assets, and non-compliance with court orders.
The Scale of the Problem
Resolution’s survey revealed that 80% of family law professionals believe that domestic abuse, specifically economic abuse, is insufficiently addressed in financial remedy proceedings. This issue is even more pronounced for unmarried families, where existing legal frameworks fail to offer adequate protection.
Victim-survivors shared harrowing accounts, such as being forced to continue paying for a jointly owned home they cannot access or facing adjourned hearings despite clear evidence of abuse. These experiences emphasise the urgent need for systemic change.
Recommendations for Reform
Resolution’s report calls for:
- Strengthening procedural safeguards: Amending the Family Procedure Rules to ensure that domestic abuse considerations are embedded in case management.
- Improved disclosure processes: Holding parties accountable for failing to provide full and frank disclosure early in negotiations or court proceedings.
- Access to justice: Expanding legal aid availability for victim-survivors and reviewing financial thresholds that currently block access to representation.
Towards Cultural Change
Achieving meaningful reform requires a cultural shift among family law professionals. Training, clear guidelines, and a collaborative approach between the judiciary and practitioners can ensure that abuse is recognised and addressed effectively. The report’s recommendations aim to empower victim-survivors, promote fair outcomes, and ensure the justice system is no longer complicit in enabling ongoing abuse.
Domestic abuse doesn’t end with separation—and neither should the protections offered by the law.
