The Aftermath of Domestic Abuse: Francesca Onody's Struggle for Stability

Francesca Onody's life changed irrevocably on a summer evening in 2022 when her husband, Malcolm Baker, set their cottage ablaze as police arrived to arrest him. Onody and her children narrowly escaped before the explosion, but Baker perished in the fire. In addition to losing her husband, Onody lost her home, pets, and possessions. Shortly before his death, Baker had emptied their joint bank accounts and canceled her mortgage protection and buildings insurance. Three years later, Onody faced the threat of repossession from the mortgage lender, Halifax, due to £35,000 in mortgage arrears that had accumulated since Baker's death.

The Guardian

Onody's ordeal highlights the complex legal and financial barriers faced by victims of domestic abuse. Following Baker's death, she struggled to contest his will, which left her with nothing, and to navigate the probate process. The mortgage and property were solely in Baker's name, preventing her from selling the land or rebuilding their home. It took her 28 months to be appointed as the personal representative of Baker's estate, during which time she was unable to communicate with Halifax regarding the mortgage.

The Guardian

Onody described her experience with Halifax as a continuation of her husband's financial abuse. Initially, the bank agreed to allow her to remortgage the estate, but later withdrew the offer, threatening repossession unless she paid off the debt within two months. Onody stated, “I am being punished for my husband’s actions, with the Halifax now acting in his place as financial controller and abuser.” After contacting Guardian Money for assistance, Halifax suspended the repossession order and agreed to transfer the mortgage into her name once the property deeds were amended.

The Guardian

A spokesperson for Halifax expressed sympathy for Onody's situation, acknowledging the difficulties she faced. They noted that legal limitations initially hindered their ability to assist her, but they attempted to be flexible throughout the process. The bank also provided financial support by removing interest and charges that had accrued since Baker's death. After Guardian Money intervened, Onody became the legal owner of the land in November 2025 and successfully paid off the mortgage in early 2026.

The Guardian

Despite the support from Halifax, advocates for domestic abuse victims argue that systemic failures persist. Sam Smethers, chief executive of the charity Surviving Economic Abuse, stated, “This story is a heartbreaking but sadly all-too-common reflection of the devastating harm caused by economic abusers.” The Financial Conduct Authority's new Consumer Duty rules aim to improve support for vulnerable customers, yet critics maintain that many victims continue to be inadequately supported.

The Guardian

Onody now hopes to sell the land and purchase a new property to rebuild her life with her children. While she acknowledges the challenges she has faced, she remains optimistic about the future, stating, “It’s been a really tough time for years, but I’m ever-optimistic that there can be some degree of happy ending.”

The Guardian