In Focus Collections Naivety and trust are the answer; loving
Getting to the truth is extremely difficult because victims are reluctant to admit how they have been duped, sometimes for decades, so it takes time for them to seek the right advice
their knowledge; they may have credit cards, also controlled by the partner, who builds up debt, also without the victim’s knowledge, to service his own needs.
Naivety and trust How could anyone be so stupid to allow this to happen?
someone can be a barrier to commonsense, and when trust breaks down, the bullying usually escalates to violence. Getting out of such abusive relationships
is difficult because – without access to your own funds – you have no independence, even if you have a good job. And, of course, the victim is terrified when
they discover they are in debt, when they had been leading a superficially comfortable lifestyle. Unravelling finances in these circumstances
– at a time of severe emotional distress – requires help: a sympathetic bank manager, as well as a good solicitor. Citizens Advice is often the first port of
call, but some local authorities are to stop funding the service – a big mistake, which could potentially increase homelessness, and even suicides. It is important to note that these are not class issues; they affect all levels of society.
The truth Getting to the truth is extremely difficult because victims are reluctant to admit how they have been duped, sometimes for decades, so it takes time for them to seek the right advice. Relationships with friends and family,
damaged as part of the controlling lifestyle, cannot be easily restored to enable support. With lenders’ increasing demands for
repayment ignored, cases will inevitably be passed to the debt collectors. And it may be at this stage that, with
their experience and understanding, asking the right questions, victims can be ‘forced’ to face up to their problems and start the recovery process. In the meantime, it is worth remembering
that all is not what it seems; debt can be accrued without someone’s knowledge, leaving them fearful but honestly willing to address the problem, however difficult that may be. CCR
December 2019
www.CCRMagazine.com
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