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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.
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.
Coercive and controlling behaviour can manifest in various ways, including but not limited to:
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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Sarah has over 17 years of experience acting as a Family solicitor. 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