According to research from the National Centre for Domestic Violence, the support group for victims of domestic abuse, one in four women and one in six men experience domestic abuse during their lifetime. To support these survivors, TSB Bank has launched its Emergency Flee Fund on its video banking platform.
This fund will offer TSB customers payments of up to £500 to help escape a dangerous or abusive relationship. These funds will also be provided to help pay for essentials such as food, travel, and accommodation.
This is the latest venture by TSB to help support domestic abuse survivors. In addition to the new service on the video banking platforms, customers can still request an emergency call via telephone or visit a branch to receive this support. When visiting bank branches, they will be met by specially trained colleagues that can spot signs of domestic abuse and assess the specific needs of individuals.
Lisa Johnson, head of survivor services at Women’s Aid
Lisa Johnson, head of survivor services at Women’s Aid, said: “For many women seeking to flee abuse, financial limitations can be a significant barrier. This may be because her perpetrator controls the finances or because the cost of living independently is simply too high.
“Over the last few years, with the cost-of-living crisis, the economic barriers survivors face has become significantly more pertinent. Many survivors are faced with the impossible decision of staying with an abuser and affording to live or leaving and risking homelessness.
“The Emergency Flee Fund established by TSB has been a huge help to a number of survivors escaping abuse. Women’s Aid welcomes changes including more flexibility in the account opening process for vulnerable people, and the implementation of video banking, which will make accessing this potentially lifesaving fund even easier for survivors.”
Helping survivors
On average, TSB has provided £368 per customer, while a third (33 per cent) of all claims have received the full amount available. TSB also found that almost half (45 per cent) of all individuals who accessed the fund fled with children. The fund has been accessed by 340 women, 24 men and a combination of nonbinary individuals and those who prefer not to share their gender.
TSB data shows uptake of its Flee Fund has increased from 16 victims a month accessing the scheme in 2023, compared to 23 a month so far in 2024.
The bank has also updated its ID and Verification exception process to support account opening. This ensures vulnerable people can access banking services without the full documentation, which can be vital for victims of domestic abuse.
Kate Osiadacz, head of responsible business, TSB
TSB also offers Safe Spaces in branch and online – allowing victims to be signposted to all the support available to them. Domestic abuse charity Hestia found that 130 people accessed a safe space in Q2 2024 across all participating banks.
Kate Osiadacz, head of responsible business, TSB said: “We’ve seen first-hand the life-changing role our Emergency Flee Fund has played in helping hundreds of victims escape an abusive and dangerous situation.
“Now, with the use of video banking – we will be able to help even more victims access these emergency funds.”
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