Coercive control is one of the most insidious forms of domestic abuse. It is a pattern of behaviour designed to isolate, intimidate, and constrain a person, stripping them of their independence and ability to make their own choices.
Despite being a criminal offence in the UK since 2015, it has taken time for the legal system to fully recognise its severity. However, a new change in the law means that coercive or controlling behaviour will now be treated on a par with other serious domestic abuse offences, such as threats to kill and stalking.
From this week, offenders convicted of coercive control and sentenced to 12 months or more will be automatically managed under multi-agency public protection arrangements (Mappa). This represents a significant shift in how these cases are handled, with the police, probation, and prison services now legally required to work together to monitor and manage these offenders. The move is intended to reduce reoffending and provide greater protection for survivors.
What Is Coercive Control?
Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse that involves a pattern of behaviour designed to manipulate, dominate, and restrict a person’s freedom. It may involve financial control, intimidation, isolation, or other forms of psychological abuse.
Some behaviours that may be considered coercive control include:
- Restricting independence – controlling access to money, preventing employment, or limiting social interactions.
- Psychological manipulation – using humiliation, gaslighting, or threats to intimidate.
- Financial control – controlling bank accounts, withholding financial resources
- Co-parenting interference – using children to exert control, making unjustified allegations, or restricting access to children.
Coercive control has been a criminal offence in the UK since 2015, and its recognition in divorce proceedings has become increasingly significant.
The Impact of Legal Changes on Family Law Cases
Previously, offenders convicted of coercive control could only be actively managed under Mappa on a discretionary basis. However, the new legal changes under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 mean that those convicted will now face stricter legal oversight. This has important consequences for both survivors and those facing allegations in family law proceedings.
For survivors seeking to leave a coercive relationship, the new legal framework may provide additional safeguards. Courts are increasingly recognising the impact of coercive control on child arrangements, financial settlements, and protective measures such as non-molestation orders.
Challenges in Proving or Defending Coercive Control Claims
Unlike physical abuse, coercive control does not always leave tangible evidence, making legal cases complex. For survivors, proving coercive control often involves presenting a pattern of behaviour rather than a single incident. Courts may consider financial records, communication history, witness statements, and psychological assessments.
How Our Family Law Team Can Help
At Slater Heelis, we understand that family law disputes involving allegations of coercive control require careful and compassionate legal handling. Our team provides expert legal support for both those seeking protection from abusive ex-partners.
Partner in our family law team, Vicki McLynn, was recently interviewed on ITV Granada regarding a serious domestic abuse case that garnered national attention and the new systems coming into place to help protect survivors of abuse, which you can watch here.
Our family lawyers can assist with:
- Securing legal protection through court orders.
- Supporting safe child arrangements.
- Advising on financial settlements where coercive control has had an economic impact.
If you are in a dangerous or immediate crisis, please reach out to hotline for support.
- Refuge: 0808 2000 247
- Victim Support: 0808 1689 111
- Samaritans: 116 123
The changes in legal oversight for coercive control highlight the growing recognition of psychological abuse in family law.
If you’d like to speak with Vicki or another member of our team, call 03301 624 681 or fill out our online contact form.