Coercive control is a term which you may have heard of before. In December 2015 it became a criminal offence.
The difference between a normal balanced relationship and one where there is coercive control is that in balanced relationships, there are occasions when one partner makes a decision on behalf of the other, or when one partner takes control of a situation and the other has to compromise. The difference in an abusive relationship is that decisions by a dominant partner can become rules that, when broken, lead to consequences for the other partner.
Examples of coercive control:
- Isolating a person from their friends and family.
- Monitoring their time and their online communication.
- Taking control over aspects of their everyday life.
- Repeatedly putting them down such as telling them they are worthless.
- Assault or criminal damage (e.g. destruction of household items).
- Threats to hurt or kill that person or a child.
- Enforcing rules and activity which humiliate, degrade or dehumanise that person.
- Financial abuse including control of finances, taking that person’s income or only allowing them a very small or no allowance.
This list does not include every behaviour which is coercively controlling. If you believe you have or are experiencing coercive control from the other parent of your child, you will need specialist legal advice. We can help. Please get in touch.