Coercive behaviour
Advice for understanding coercive behaviour
From 29 December 2015, coercion and control in a relationship became a criminal offence, carrying a maximum sentence of five years in prison. Coercive control describes a range or pattern of behaviours that enable a perpetrator to maintain or regain control of a partner, ex-partner or family member.
Examples of coercive control
- Isolating you from your friends and family
- Controlling how much money you have and how you spend it
- Monitoring your activities and your movements
- Repeatedly putting you down, calling you names or telling you that you are worthless
- Threatening to harm or kill you or your child
- Threatening to publish information about you or to report you to the police or the authorities
- Damaging your property or household goods
- Forcing you to take part in criminal activity or child abuse
Your abuser will be guilty of the offence of coercive control if
- They are personally connected to you
- Their behaviour has had a serious effect on you
- Your abuser knew or ought to have known that their behaviour would have a serious effect on you.
More services
Humberside Policy Non-emergency – 101
North East Lincolnshire Women’s Aid – 01472 575757
National Domestic Violent Helping – 0808 2000 247
The Samaritans – Freephone 116 123 or Local 01472 353111
Police Domestic Violence Officer (9am – 5pm) – 01472 721224 / 721227
Housing advice – 01472 326296 option 1
Children’s Services (FFAP) – 01472 326292 option 2
Victim Support – 01472 250251 or 356549
Citizens Advice Bureau – 0344 411 1444
National Centre for Domestic Violence – 0800 970 2070
Respect – 08088024040
Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327