With the introduction of The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, the legal framework has been further strengthened to ensure better support and justice for those affected by coercive and controlling behaviour.
Our Family Lawyers explore the serious issue of coercive and controlling behaviour, discuss what constitutes coercive control, provide examples of how it manifests in relationships, examine the challenges of proving this type of abuse in court, and highlight recent legal developments.
What is coercive and controlling behaviour?
Coercive and controlling behaviour is a form of domestic abuse that has gained increasing legal recognition in recent years.
Controlling or coercive behaviour can form part of a wider pattern of abuse, such as physical or sexual. It is a pattern of behaviour that occurs on two or more occasions or takes place over time for an individual to exert power, control or coercion over another.
Coercive and controlling behaviour was criminalised under Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015, which created the offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship. The offence targets economic, emotional and psychological abuse in which one partner in a relationship coerces and controls the life of the other.
Controlling and coercive behaviour is defined as a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and/or regulating their everyday behaviour.
What are examples of coercive and controlling behaviour in relationships
Coercive and controlling behaviour can manifest in various ways, including but not limited to:
- Controlling or monitoring the victim's daily activities, such as making them account for their time, dictating what they wear, who they meet or talk to
- Restricting and checking phone use
- Acts of coercion or force to persuade the victim to do something they are unwilling to do
- Economic abuse, including coerced debt and controlling spending
- Isolating the victim from family and friends
- Preventing normal leisure activities such as volunteering, joining local clubs
- Using children to control the victim, threatening to take the children away or threatening to harm the children
Is it hard to prove coercive control?
Proving coercive and controlling behaviour can be complex, as it often involves subtle and prolonged forms of abuse.
Evidence that may be used in court includes:
- Witness statements from the victim, family members, or friends detailing behaviour patterns.
- Communication, including text messages or emails showing threats, monitoring or manipulation
- Police logs documenting any reports of threats, stalking or physical abuse
- Medical records
- Bank statements to show financial control
Recent legal developments
With the introduction of The Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, the legal framework has been further strengthened to ensure better support and justice for those affected. The Act introduces new protections and measures to support victims of coercive and controlling behaviour.
From 10 February 2025, offenders convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour and sentenced to 12 months or longer will be automatically managed under multi-agency public protection arrangements.
This means agencies are legally required to cooperate to better manage the risks these offenders pose, recognising the significant harm this kind of offending can cause.
The changes place controlling or coercive behaviour on a par with other domestic abuse offences, including threats to kill, attempted strangulation and stalking.
Support
Victims of controlling or coercive behaviour may not be aware of or be ready to acknowledge that the abuse that they are experiencing or have experienced is part of a pattern of controlling or coercive behaviour.
If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, seeking legal advice and professional support is crucial in navigating this difficult situation.
Our specialist family solicitors can help you to get legal protection from the Family Court if you feel that you or your children are at risk of harm from domestic abuse.
There are injunctions that can be applied inc, including non-molestation orders and occupation orders, to protect you from abuse. We will support victims and ensure their safety and well-being throughout the legal process.
If you are experiencing this form of abuse, you can report it to the police. If the matter is urgent, you should call 999. If it is not an emergency, you can contact the police by attending your local police station or by calling 101.
Support
There are several national and local organisations that can provide support, and we have included some links below. If you are unsure if you are experiencing abuse, we can put you in touch with a domestic violence support service who will listen to you and offer you information, advice and support.
Trafford Domestic Abuse Services - 0161 872 7368
Survivor's Forum
Refuge - 0808 2000 247
Contact Our Family Team
If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive or controlling behaviour, seeking expert legal advice is crucial in ensuring protection and support.
Our specialist Family Law team is here to help you navigate this difficult situation with sensitivity and expertise.
We can assist with non-molestation orders, occupation orders, and other legal protections to safeguard you and your loved ones. Our solicitors will provide clear, confidential, and practical guidance tailored to your situation.
01619414000
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Sarah Whitelegge
Legal Director
Sarah has over 17 years of experience acting as a Family Solicitor and as a Legal Director in our team. Sarah has specialist expertise in complex children matters and has experience of dealing with applications for child arrangement orders, prohibited steps orders, and special guardianship orders.
About Sarah Whitelegge