A new report from Scottish Women’s Aid reveals a hidden but serious problem across Scotland: coerced debt. This is a form of economic abuse where an abusive partner builds up debt in someone else’s name—often without their knowledge or through pressure and control.
The research shows this is not rare, but a common tactic used to trap women and children in abuse. Debt can continue to be used as a tool of control even after separation, leaving survivors facing long-term financial hardship, damaged credit, and barriers to housing and essential services.
Many women are forced into impossible choices just to cope—going without essentials, taking on more debt, or even returning to abusive relationships. At the same time, systems like councils, lenders, and enforcement processes often fail to recognise the abuse and hold survivors responsible for debts they did not create.
The report calls for urgent action, including better recognition of coerced debt, improved support, and fairer debt solutions. The key message is clear: this is not just a financial issue, but a form of domestic abuse—and systems need to respond accordingly.
Full research report (PDF):
New research reveals hidden crisis of coerced debt trapping women and children in abuse across Scotland
Report summary (short PDF):
SWA Coerced Debt Report Summary 2026
Background / overview page:
Hidden Crisis of Coerced Debt – overview and key findings