Safety & safeguarding · England
Help with threats, pressure and money abuse
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This guide is for adults in England.
You deserve safe relationships and support.
Abuse can include threats and controlling behaviour.
It is not your fault.
Someone might take your money or pressure you to give it away.
This can happen with someone you know.
Ask to talk privately to someone you trust.
Tell them how they can contact you safely.
Call 999 if you are in immediate danger.
Tell the police about suspected crimes.
Explain if you need the person causing harm to help with your care.
Ask for a safety plan that meets your needs.
You still have wishes and choices.
Getting help should not mean losing all your friendships.
You can question someone who manages your money.
Different organisations check deputies and benefit appointees.
Ask for help to report concerns.
An advocate can help you explain what you want.
What you can do next
The government guide lists ways to get help.
Ask for help using a safe phone or device if needed.
Find domestic abuse support Web pageThis link opens another website.
It may use harder words.
More useful links
- Domestic abuse: getting help Web page
Support routes, including a link to Easy Read information.
- Report concerns about an attorney or deputy Web page
How to contact the Office of the Public Guardian.
- Report Fraud Web page
The police reporting service for fraud and cybercrime.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Controlling behaviour, exploitation and money abuse
Get help with threats, pressure, harmful relationships, scams or misuse of your money.
Adults · England
Notice pressure and control
Abuse can involve a partner, relative, carer or someone who calls themselves a friend. Warning signs include threats, pressure to have sex, demands for money, controlling your phone, or stopping contact with other people. Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. It can continue after a relationship ends.
Getting help safely
Call 999 in immediate danger. Otherwise, speak privately to a trusted professional, police or the council safeguarding team. Explain if you depend on the person causing harm for care, transport or communication. Ask for a safe contact method and accessible support. Use a safer device if someone monitors your messages.
Support without losing your choices
Ask a domestic abuse service about a safety plan suited to your disability, communication and care needs. A plan could include where to get help and who can support essential daily tasks. Supporters should listen without blaming you. Protecting someone should not mean automatically banning every friendship or taking away their phone.
Misuse of money or authority
Taking benefits, pressuring someone to sign documents or spending their money against the rules may be abuse. An attorney or deputy has limited legal powers, not ownership of your money. Concerns about their conduct can be reported to the Office of the Public Guardian, alongside safeguarding or police concerns where appropriate. Its investigation powers depend on the circumstances.
Appointees and scams
A DWP appointee manages benefit claims and payments; this differs from deputyship. Contact the benefit office if an appointee is misusing benefits and ask for the arrangement to be reviewed. Report fraud or cybercrime through Report Fraud. Tell your bank promptly about suspected fraud affecting your account. Theft, threats and immediate danger may also need direct police help.
Prepare what you can
If safe, keep dates, messages and details of missing money. You can still ask for help without these records. Ask for an independent advocate and communication support. For someone who does not use speech, take signs of fear seriously and seek support outside the suspected abuser’s control. Agree how the person will receive updates.
Words you could use
“I need to talk privately about pressure, threats or misuse of my money. Please use this safe way to contact me: …”
More useful links
- Domestic abuse: getting help Web page
Support routes, including a link to Easy Read information.
- Report concerns about an attorney or deputy Web page
How to contact the Office of the Public Guardian.
- Report Fraud Web page
The police reporting service for fraud and cybercrime.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
Where the information comes from
Links checked 27 October 2026.
These links open other websites.
They may use harder words.
- Home Office: domestic abuse support Web page
Recognising control and finding help.
- Office of the Public Guardian: reporting concerns Web page
Concerns about attorneys, deputies and guardians.
- DWP: appointee responsibilities Web page
Benefit management duties and ending unsuitable appointments.
- Report Fraud Web page
Current reporting route for fraud and cybercrime.
- Care and support statutory guidance Web page
Financial abuse, coercion and safeguarding responses.