What is Coercive Control?

Overview

Coercive Control is a form of domestic abuse that strips someone slowly of their freedom and independence.

Described as an act or pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation, coercive control creates fear, isolation, and dependency for the victim as the perpetrator has removed them from their support networks while controlling the victim’s everyday behaviour and activity.

In 2015, coercive control became a criminal offence in England and Wales under the Serious Crime Act. This law recognizes that abuse isn’t always physical, but also emotional, phycological and financial.

What does coercive control look like?

Often, when we think of domestic abuse, we think of ‘violence’ and while coercive control can include violence, often it appears in ways that are harder to detect and can include:

• 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

These are just examples, and it’s important to note that perpetrators – will and do – use many different tactics to control their victims, so if you’re not sure if what you’re experiencing is coercive control, ask yourself:

• Am I fearful being around them?
• Do I feel like I’m constantly walking on eggshells?
• Am I fearful that what I’m wearing or eating will have consequences?
• Do I need to ask their permission, or feel like I should ask their permission if I want to talk to a friend or family member?
• Am I questioning my own judgement?

If the above feels familiar, then you could be experiencing coercive control.

Why is coercive control so damaging?

Coercive control is a highly manipulative and damaging form of domestic abuse because it can happen so subtly and over a long period of time leaving the victim often feeling isolated, confused and afraid to ask for help.

It’s important to know that abuse is never the victim’s fault and if you, or someone you know is experiencing it support is available.

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 individualized 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.