Coercive control
Domestic abuse is not always physical. Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour that aims to threaten, humiliate, intimidate, punish or frighten the victim. It can be used to make the victim dependent on the abuser by isolating them from their family or support, depriving them of independence and controlling their everyday lives.
Coercive control is a crime. It creates a sense of fear that can have a devastating impact on all aspects of the victim's life.
Spotting the signs of coercive control
- Isolating the victim from friends and family
- Making the victim feel that nobody else cares, creating a dependence on the abuser
- Preventing or controlling basic needs, such as food and drink
- Monitoring the victim's time, whereabouts, and actions
- Preventing the victim from working
- Monitoring the victim using online tools or cameras
- Controlling the victim's ability to use their phone, internet, social media, etc.
- Taking control over aspects of the victim's everyday life, such as whom they see, what they can wear and when they sleep
- Preventing the victim from accessing support services, such as medical services or the dentist
- Repeatedly putting the victim down
- Humiliating, degrading or dehumanising the victim
- Controlling the victim's money
- Intimidating or threatening the victim
- Jealousy and unreasonable demands