Suncorp says research showing how financial products including insurance can be weaponised by perpetrators of family violence will help inform its services.

The insurer is a founding member of the business-led One Generation initiative tackling Australia’s domestic and family violence (DFV) crisis, which affects one in four women.

The research – drawing on interviews, focus groups and a survey of DFV survivors – finds 81% reported products and services being used by perpetrators to monitor, control, impersonate and financially abuse them, often long after a relationship had ended.

Insurance, banking, telecommunications, utilities and superannuation systems were all used to access personal information, create debt in survivors’ names, and disrupt or disconnect electricity, mobile and other critical services.

“As a founding member of One Generation, the research findings will help Suncorp understand where it may need to consider strengthening products, policies, processes, employee training and support services,” the insurer said.

“This work will help prevent insurance products from being misused as a tool of abuse and ensure customers and employees experiencing domestic and family violence can access safer, more effective support pathways.

“The insights will also help inform Suncorp’s broader approach to supporting people affected by domestic and family violence, and contribute to industry-wide efforts to improve safety and support outcomes.”

One Generation brings together businesses across essential and financial services to improve support and safety for customers experiencing DFV.