Recognising Coercive Control: Understanding the Hidden Side of Domestic Abuse
Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse recognised in UK law that involves a pattern of behaviour used by an abuser to dominate, manipulate, and undermine a victim’s independence. Recognising coercive control can be difficult. Unlike isolated incidents of violence, coercive control is ongoing and often subtle, designed to make the victim feel dependent, fearful, and unable to leave the relationship. It became a specific criminal offence under Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 in England and Wales, highlighting its seriousness and impact.
Coercive control can take many forms. It often includes isolating the victim from friends, family, and support networks, making them easier to control. Controlling daily life is common, such as dictating what they wear, where they go, or how they spend money. Monitoring behaviour through constant calls, messages, or surveillance is another tactic, as is gaslighting – manipulating facts to make the victim doubt their memory or sanity. Emotional abuse, threats, humiliation, and controlling access to resources like finances, transport, or healthcare are also frequent elements.
Coercive control doesn’t need violence
Even without physical violence, coercive control causes significant psychological harm and can escalate into physical abuse. The law requires that the behaviour has a “serious effect” on the victim, meaning it has caused them to fear violence on at least two occasions or has had a substantial adverse impact on their day-to-day life. Evidence such as messages, financial records, witness statements, and diaries can be vital in proving a pattern of control.
Recognising coercive control is essential to protecting victims, as it often underpins abusive relationships long before physical violence occurs. By understanding its forms and effects, authorities and support services can intervene earlier, helping victims regain safety, autonomy, and confidence. It marks a crucial step in tackling domestic abuse in the UK.
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