A Guide
Controlling or coercive behaviour is a form of domestic abuse that involves using violence, threats, and fear to manipulate a partner. This behaviour is illegal and can take many forms, including physical, psychological, and emotional abuse.
What is Controlling or Coercive Behaviour?
Controlling or coercive behaviour involves acts designed to make a person feel inferior and/or dependent, as well as acts of assault, threats, humiliation, intimidation, or other abuse. This can include isolating the victim from friends and support, taking advantage of their money and possessions, restricting their independence, and controlling their activities.
Changes in the Law
The law now recognizes that controlling or coercive behaviour can occur in various relationships, not just between partners living together. This means the offence now extends to partners, ex-partners, or family members, regardless of whether they live under the same roof.
Penalties for Controlling or Coercive Behaviour
Anyone found guilty of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship can receive a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Specific Acts of Controlling or Coercive Behaviour
Eighteen specific acts are illegal under coercive control laws in England and Wales, including controlling the victim's daily activities, financial abuse, using social media and phones to control the victim, forcing the victim to do something they don't want to do, and threatening to harm the victim or their loved ones.
Warning Signs of Controlling or Coercive Behaviour
Some key warning signs include being made to follow rules, not being allowed to make your own decisions, being frightened of your partner, ex-partner, or family member, and having been a victim of physical violence or sexual assault.
Getting Help
If you are experiencing controlling or coercive behaviour, you are not alone. There are resources available to help you. You can call a domestic abuse helpline free of charge for confidential advice, 24 hours a day. If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the police. If you can't speak and are calling on a mobile, press 55 to have your call transferred to the police.
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