Know your rights, the laws around Coercive Control

Overview

Coercive control is a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act 2015 and there are laws within the UK protecting those who are experiencing it.

To be prosecuted for coercive control under the Serious Crime Act 2015, the behaviour must:

• Be repeated and/or continuous
• Have a ‘serious effect’ on the victim (more on this below)
• Be something the perpetrator know or ought to have would have that effect

If found guilty, the perpetrator can face up to 5 years in prison, a fine and/or both. As well as this, the court might also look at a restraining order to protect you from your abuser.

What does ‘serious effect’ mean?

In our previous article, we looked at what coercive control is and some examples of what can happen when a victim is experiencing it. Behaviors such as the preparator:

• Having to account for where you are and what you’re doing when away from home
• Making you dress in a certain way
• Monitoring you to see who you’re talking to
• Enforcing rules and regulations with consequences if you don’t follow them
• Making threats against you and/or intimidating you
• Monitoring your devices such as phones, tablets and laptops
• Isolating you from friends and family
• Humiliating you
• Denying you access to basic needs such as food, medical support and clothing of your choice

The perpetrators behaviour is considered to have ‘serious effect’ on you if:

• You fear that violence would have been used against you on at least two occasions; and
• You have felt fear and/or distress that has had a substantial effect on your normal day-to-day activities

I think I’m experiencing coercive control, what do I do?

If you feel you’re in immediate danger, call the Police on 999.

You can also contact NIDAS and speak to our team who can support you with:

• Tailored and individualised risk and safety planning
• Understanding the criminal justice system
• Advice and guidance in keeping safe

We can support you no matter where you are in Norfolk. Our aim is to listen to you, to guide you and to be by your side. You only have to tell us your story once. Our service will support you, your needs, your journey – your freedom.

As well as calling NIDAS, if you think you’re experiencing coercive control in Norfolk, it’s important to:

• Log all incidences personally e.g. in a notebook with dates, times and what happened
• Log all incidences with the Police either via 101, Online or by visiting a Police station

If you feel you’re in immediate danger, always call the Police on 999.