TSB Launches Emergency Flee Fund via Video Banking to Boost Access to This Vital Scheme

TSB is today making its Emergency Flee Fund available to victims of domestic abuse on its video banking platform; as the bank reports it has helped 370 individuals with emergency payments since launching the scheme.

TSB’s Flee Fund offers TSB customers payments of up to £500, to help escape a dangerous or abusive relationship – and help pay for essentials such as food, travel, and accommodation. From today, customers will be able to access these vital funds via video banking. Victims can still visit a branch, or request an emergency call back via telephone to receive this support.

Video banking will help reach even more people – and boost access to the Flee Fund for those with mobility issues or vulnerabilities. TSB’s frontline colleagues are all specially trained to spot signs of domestic abuse and to assess the specific needs of individuals.

On average, TSB has provided £368 per customer, while a third (33%) of all claims have received the full amount available. TSB also found that almost half (45%) 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. TSB has also updated its ID and Verification exception process to support account opening to ensure vulnerable people can access banking services without the full documentation, which can be vital for victims of domestic abuse.

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.

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.”

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.”