Coercive and controlling behaviour

Do you recognise any of the behaviours you have experienced in our videos?

• Isolation
• Monitoring
• Financial control

Not all abuse is physical

Domestic abuse in relationships doesn't always involve physical violence. It can be sexual, financial and emotional abuse and can happen to anyone. Sustained controlling behaviour such as regularly intimidating, bullying, criticising or threatening someone in a personal or intimate relationship, are all forms of what is called 'coercive control'. This is a form of domestic abuse and is a criminal offence.

What is coercive control?

Typically, one person in a personal relationship, whether it be a partner, spouse or family member, will control the other over a period of time and in ways that go largely unnoticed by friends and family. As well as the bullying and criticism, common traits of coercive control can include checking the other's phone, making them dress in or look a certain way, wanting to know where they are and who they are seeing, restricting their money or cutting them off from friends and family.

Who can it happen to and what support is available?

Domestic abuse can happen to anyone and affects people of all genders, ages, ethnicities, abilities and income levels. A range of help and support is available, including general advice and confidential listening. So, if you think you may be in a controlling relationship or know someone who is, we are here to help when you are ready. Call the Surrey's Domestic Abuse helpline provided by Your Sanctuary on 01483 776822 or use the Your Sanctuary confidential online chat to get advice, signposting and information, just as you would over the phone. In an emergency you should always call 999.

Coercive control is a criminal offence

The Serious Crime Act 2015 created an offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in intimate or familial relationships. The offence closed a gap in the law around patterns of controlling or coercive behaviour in an on-going relationship between intimate partners or family members. The offence carries a maximum sentence of 5 years' imprisonment, a fine or both.

Controlling or coercive behaviour does not relate to a single incident, it is a purposeful pattern of behaviour which takes place over time in order for one individual to exert power, control or coercion over another. This offence focuses responsibility and accountability on the perpetrator who has chosen to carry out these behaviours.

The Home Office produced a Statutory Guidance Framework for the police and criminal justice agencies involved in the investigation of offences, although the information may also be relevant to assist the work of non-governmental organisations and voluntary organisations.