29 October 2026
SDLP Waterside Councillor Martin Reilly has secured backing from Derry and Strabane District Council for stronger action to tackle economic abuse and remove the financial barriers that can prevent victim-survivors from reaching safety.
Research by the charity Surviving Economic Abuse (SEA) has found that one in six women in Northern Ireland experienced economic abuse in the last 12 months, yet awareness of the issue remains among the lowest across these islands.
Councillor Reilly’s motion highlights the lack of dedicated support infrastructure in Northern Ireland, where there is currently no equivalent emergency 'flee fund' for victim-survivors and limited specialist debt-advice capacity.
SDLP Councillor Martin Reilly said:
“Economic abuse is not simply a financial problem. It is a form of domestic abuse that can control every aspect of a person’s life and prevent them from reaching safety.
“Too often, victim-survivors are left without access to their own money, burdened by debts accumulated by an abuser and facing significant financial obstacles when trying to leave an abusive situation. People in Northern Ireland deserve the same practical supports that are available elsewhere.
“That means access to emergency financial assistance, specialist debt advice and support to ensure that debts created through coercion and abuse do not continue to follow someone long after they have escaped.
“By supporting this motion, Council has sent a clear message that economic abuse must be recognised, that victim-survivors must be properly supported and that the barriers keeping people trapped in abusive relationships must be removed.
“The motion calls on Executive departments to work together to develop a coordinated response, while also asking Council to ensure relevant staff are equipped to recognise economic abuse and to engage with financial institutions on tackling coerced debt.
“Providing specialist advice and emergency financial support can make the difference between someone remaining trapped and being able to rebuild their life in safety.
"This is an issue that requires collective leadership - the Executive needs to take action.”