TSB has announced that its Emergency Flee Fund, which offers financial support to victims of domestic abuse, is now available via video banking.
Following the change, customers can access the fund via TSB’s video banking platform, while still gaining access by visiting a branch or requesting an emergency call back via telephone to receive this support.
TSB hopes more people can be reached by offering video banking, especially increasing access to the Flee Fund, a joint initiative with the Surviving Economic Abuse organisation, for those with mobility issues or vulnerabilities.
Additionally, the bank has also made changes to its ID and Verification exception process to support account opening, aiming to ensure people can access banking services without the full documentation, which TSB says can be vital for victims of domestic abuse.
The fund offers the bank’s customers payments of up to £500 to help escape a dangerous or abusive relationship, helping to pay for essentials such as food, travel and accommodation.
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.”
So far, 340 women, 24 men and a combination of nonbinary individuals and those who prefer not to share their gender have accessed the fund.
According to the bank’s data, the use of the Flee Fund has increased from 16 victims a month in 2023 to 23 a month in 2024. Data also shows that on average the bank has provided £368 per customer, whereas a third of all claims have received the full amount available.
Additionally, TSB has found that 45% of all individuals who accessed the fund fled with children.
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.”
