TSB launches fund to support people fleeing domestic abuse as cost of living crisis deepens
Bank will make support payments of 拢50 to 拢500, depending on customers' needs, which will be paid into an account that only the claimant can access.
Friday 9 December 2022 01:57, UK
High street bank TSB has set up a fund that will financially support people fleeing abusive relationships.
People will be able to get support payments of between £50 and £500, depending on their needs, which will be paid into an account that only the claimant can access.
The payments will be based on individual needs and will assist people with the cost of essentials such as travel, clothing and toiletries, which they may need having left a property shared with an abuser.
People can request support by visiting a TSB branch. The bank said branch staff have received specialist training in supporting people experiencing domestic abuse.
The scheme has been developed in partnership with domestic abuse charities, including Women's Aid.
According to the charity Surviving Economic Abuse, 95% of domestic abuse cases include a form of economic abuse. One of the most common forms involves victims being prevented from maintaining their own economic resources.
TSB also has a "safe spaces" initiative in place, for anyone needing support and to sit safely and securely to visit.
Earlier this year, HSBC also made all its branches "safe spaces", training more than 4,000 employees to help them aid the victims of coercive and controlling financial behaviour.
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As the cost of living crisis has deepened, charities are reporting increased demand for domestic abuse support services.
In partnership with Women's Aid, TSB is also launching a pilot scheme to allow domestic abuse victims to safely open and access a bank account, without standard documentation.
Farah Nazeer, chief executive of Women's Aid, said: "Women's Aid welcomes the launch of TSB's emergency flee fund, which addresses a vital need to help survivors escape abuse in this crisis period."
Carol Anderson, director of TSB's branch network, said: "Our specially trained branch staff are ready to assist victims within their communities - and we would encourage any impacted TSB customers needing support to come and speak to us."