Coercive Control: The Hidden Form of Domestic Abuse
Coercive control in relationships is a form of domestic abuse that often goes unrecognised. It can be subtle, affecting every aspect of a victim’s life. Recent storylines in the TV series Emmerdale have brought this issue to the forefront, highlighting how controlling behaviour can manifest in real life.
The recent storyline between Tom King and Belle Dingle has brought into focus how terrible it can be when there is coercive control in a relationship. Coercive control can permeate every aspect of a relationship, and it can happen to anyone.
In the case of Tom and Belle, he has been not only violent towards her but controls all areas of her life including installing cameras in their house to harming their dog to keep her in the relationship.
What is coercive control?
Controlling and coercive behaviour is a form of domestic abuse which can be financial, economic, emotional, sexual and psychological. It is a pattern of behaviours which can make you feel frightened, isolated and dependent on the abuser. It can include:
- Isolating you from your friends and family
- Threatening to harm you and/or your family and friends
- Monitoring your movements including what you do online
- Controlling your finances
- Belittling you, calling you names or accusing you of having an affair
- Monitoring you via spyware, online tools or by installing seemingly innocent devices in your home such as a pet cam or camera doorbell.
Coercive control can lead to anxiety, depression, and feelings of hopelessness. It can be incredibly isolating, making victims feel trapped and powerless to leave.
How can the family court help?
The family courts can offer you protection from further domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, and can prevent your abuser from living in your home or nearby. There are two orders the family court can make:
- A Non-Molestation Order – these can protect both you and your children from any form of harassment, intimidation or violence.
- An Occupation Order – this can exclude the abuser from your home or from the area surrounding the property.
If the abuser breaches the terms of either an occupation order or non-molestation order they can be arrested. This can then lead to up to 5 years in prison.
You may also be able to make your application without your partner or family member knowing. This is known as making an order “without notice”. This is usually allowed by the court when you need protection quickly or if you will be put in more danger if the abuser were to find out about the application in advance.
How can we help?
PCB Solicitors are specialists in family law and can provide you with the support you need to make an application for a Non-Molestation Order or an Occupation Order. We can also assess whether you may be eligible for legal aid funding.
If you are in immediate danger, please call 999. For support and advice, you can also reach out to helplines such as Women’s Aid or Refuge at 0808 2000 247.
If you are in an abusive relationship but you do not feel ready to take the steps above but wish for assistance in relation to child arrangements or a divorce, or even to just speak about the options available to you, we are here to help with sensitive advice and support.
Please contact Beth Hancocks at our Welshpool office by email or phone 01938 555610, Hannah Webb at our Shrewsbury office by email or phone 01743 248148 or Rebecca Bailey at our Telford office by email or phone 01952 403000 for more information and assistance, including a discussion about the availability of Legal Aid for victims of coercive and controlling behaviour.