Coercive control

There is still a stereotypical view of domestic abuse being a physical, violent act. It is still often referred to as domestic violence and it can be misleading to assume that there are different categories or levels of abuse. Abuse is abuse no matter the format.

The police and government are recognising that abuse comes in many forms. Women’s Aid campaigned and were successful in making “coercive control” a criminal offence. Coercive control is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.

The domestic violence perpetrator, in effect, creates a alternative reality for their victim through fear using methods such as isolating them from friends and family, depriving them of basic needs such as money or food and/or monitoring via online or mobile tracking apps.

These are not the only triggers or indications of coercive control, but just some of the examples of common traits experienced by their victims.

Woollcombe Yonge are specialists in Family Law. Our lawyers are practised in seeking protective orders for both you and your family to protect them from emotional or physical harm. If you or someone you know is seeking advice on their relationship, please contact us and speak to one of our lawyers about the protection the court is able to afford you, advice on relationship and the ways of funding advice.

Vivien Bell may be contacted on 01752 827949 or vb@wysolicitors.co.uk