TSB are offering existing customers who are impacted by domestic abuse an Emergency Flee Fund payment of up to £500 to help escape an abusive relationship.
The fund, which will provide between £50 - £500 based on the individual’s needs, will assist victims with the cost of essentials such as travel, clothing and toiletries – with TSB becoming the first bank to publicly offer such a scheme.
Last month, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Women’s Aid and others called on the Treasury to create a ‘National Emergency Fund’ to support the growing number of domestic abuse victims impacted by a rising cost of living crisis – with concerns that the ‘crisis will only get worse in the coming months.’
TSB responded by initiating its own scheme, becoming the first bank to offer financial support to its customers.
The move has been welcomed by the Commissioner who continues to call on the Government to step in and create a national fund which would be accessible to all survivors of domestic abuse.
The scheme, which has been developed with guidance from both Hestia and Surviving Economic Abuse, will be operated from TSB’s 220 branches. The funds will be paid into a safe TSB account that only the claimant can access.
TSB’s branch colleagues have previously received specialist training to support victims of domestic abuse.
TSB Online Safe Spaces
TSB has become the first bank to join the Online Safe Spaces initiative to offer help to victims from the TSB website. Launched by the domestic abuse charity Hestia, Online Safe Spaces provides a discreet online portal on company websites for victims to get advice and helpful contact numbers. Importantly, it leaves no internet history trace, and provides quick exit options.
Hestia has seen the number of people accessing support and advice via Online Safe Spaces skyrocket over the past few months, with a 158 percent increase.
Read the full article: TSB launches ‘Emergency Flee Fund’ for domestic abuse victims, as Hestia reports rising demand for help