Domestic Abuse - What is coercive control? How do I know if I'm experiencing it?

Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse which is not necessarily physical. It is a type of controlling behaviour which is a regular pattern, making the victim feel isolated and deprived of their independence and confidence. It often makes victims feel hopeless and helpless.

There is a range of behaviours that can make up coercive control, but the common theme is that they all intend to humiliate, frighten, harm or punish the victim. Victims often feel trapped by their abuser and have an inability to make their own decisions.

WomensAid have published a list of common examples to help you identify if you are a victim of coercive control. These include:

  • Isolating you from friends and family
  • Depriving you of basic needs, such as food
  • Monitoring your time
  • Monitoring you via online communication tools or spyware
  • Taking control over aspects of your everyday life, such as where you can go, who you can see, what you can wear and when you can sleep
  • Depriving you access to support services, such as medical services
  • Repeatedly putting you down, such as saying you’re worthless
  • Humiliating, degrading or dehumanising you
  • Controlling your finances
  • Making threats or intimidating you

 

If you are experiencing coercive control, or any other forms of domestic abuse, our family law solicitors will be able to help. This may run alongside divorce proceedings if you are married, and our family law solicitors can also help with Children Act Proceedings if they arise. One of the most important first steps is reaching out for help and discovering what options are available to you.

Contact us 

Our expert Family Lawyers have offices based in Wolverhampton and Cradley Heath and serve clients across the West Midlands and Black Country including Stourbridge, Wolverhampton, Halesowen, Birmingham and beyond.  If you complete our online enquiry form, a member of our team will contact you for an initial discussion.

Alternatively, you can call 01902 328 355 and speak to Aimee Stokes, who is a family law solicitor based in our Wolverhampton office.