Coastal towns see the highest rates of divorce in the country according to new figures which puts Great Yarmouth in the top 10 for break-up hotspots.
And despite the expenses involved in break-ups, experts say recession and economic deprivation could be a factor.
Yarmouth is the only town in Norfolk in the top 10, with Blackpool taking the top spot and Hastings, Thanet and the Isle of Wight keeping company.
According to ONS data, Yarmouth marriages have a divorce rate of 11.37 pc, above the national average of eight per cent.
The most common reasons cited for divorce include abuse, bordeom, incompatibility and adultery.
Liz Farrow, manager of Relate in Norfolk & Suffolk, said another reason for high levels of relationship breakdown and divorce could be recession.
“We know that a strong link exists between poverty and relationship breakdown,” she said.
“With Great Yarmouth being one of the more deprived areas in the region, it’s perhaps not surprising that the divorce rates here are higher.
“Divorce can be very painful for everyone involved but in some cases it’s necessary. What’s important is that it’s done with the least pain possible as evidence shows parental conflict results in poor outcomes for children.”
When Relate surveyed its counsellors in 2014, one fifth (21pc) said they had seen an increase in clients due to the economic downturn and in a survey of the UK’s relationships, 62 per cent said that money worries are one of the biggest strains on relationships.
Liz added: “Economic recession can put immense pressure on relationships and undermine relationship quality and stability, as financial difficulties, debt, unemployment, and job instability mount up.
“We know this from Relate’s experiences of working with thousands of couples, individuals and families across Norfolk and Suffolk each year.
“While relationships may be weakened in recession, relationships are also key to recovery and we know that good quality relationships are important to everyone, particularly when times are tough.
“Relationships can give us the resilience to weather storms and bounce back and thrive, so if people are struggling they should seek support”.
Family counselling, mediation and support is available from Relate.
You can contact Relate in Norfolk on 01603 625333 or Suffolk on 01473 254118
Alternatively visit www.relate.org.uk/norfolk-suffolk
Source: Cordell & Cordell
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