Coercive Control is an insidious form of abuse which often occurs in relationships where there is an imbalance of power.
The term coercive control or CCB has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly in discussions surrounding domestic violence and emotional abuse and is becoming more widely recognised for the abuse it is. However, in the Family Courts, it can still fall under the radar, so it is important to make sure your legal representative is knowledgeable on the issue.
Unlike physical violence, coercive control often operates subtly and insidiously, making it challenging for victims, as well as society, to recognise and respond to it effectively.
The below article is designed to shed light on coercive control, its consequences, and the steps you can take to seek help.
What is coercive control?
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour that creates an environment of fear and intimidation in a relationship. It can manifest through various tactics that infringe on a person’s personal, financial or sexual autonomy, their freedom, and overall well-being.
These tactics can include:
- Manipulation and gaslighting: Constantly undermining a person’s reality or perceptions to create confusion and dependency.
- Isolation: Preventing an individual from seeing friends and family, limiting their social interactions, and creating a sense of loneliness.
- Monitoring: Tracking phone calls, texts, and online activities, which can extend to controlling their finances and movements.
- Verbal abuse and emotional abuse: Name-calling, belittling, and shaming to assert power and control.
What is the impact of coercive control?
The effects of coercive control can be profound and long-lasting. Victims often experience:
- Psychological trauma: Continuous belittlement and manipulation can lead to anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
- Loss of independence: Over time, victims may find themselves doubting their abilities and decision-making skills, reducing their autonomy.
- Deteriorating relationships: Damage to social ties as victims may become isolated from their support networks.
How do you recognise coercive control?
Identifying coercive control can be complex. It often involves recognising subtle patterns of manipulation and emotional domination. Here are some red flags to consider:
- Is your partner overly possessive or jealous?
- Do you feel like you need to seek permission for everyday activities?
- Have you distanced yourself from family or friends due to your partner’s influence?
- Do you feel anxiety about your partner’s reactions or moods?
- Do you feel like you need to seek permission to spend money?
What to do next?
If you resonate with these experiences, it is essential to evaluate your situation critically.
Seeking help
If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control, know that you are not alone, and help is available. Here are the steps you can take:
1. Reach out for support: Speak with trusted friends or family members about your situation. Sometimes, just voicing your experiences can empower you. This may also prove helpful if you need to evidence the behaviour later in Court proceedings.
2. Contact professionals: Check what services are available to you locally. A family law solicitor, the Police, Women’s Aid, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, Victim Support, Refuge, your GP, midwife or health visitor can all either provide support or signpost you to local resources.
3. Document everything: Keeping a record of abusive behaviour can be crucial, particularly if you consider legal action and the matter ends up in Court.
4. Create a safety plan: If you feel unsafe, it’s important to develop a safety strategy that includes safe places to go, important documents to have ready, and trusted contacts to reach out to.
5. Education and awareness: Understanding the dynamics of coercive control can empower victims and advocates alike. Books, workshops, and online resources can provide further insight into this form of abuse.
Comment
Coercive control may not leave physical scars, but its impact can be just as devastating. By raising awareness and encouraging open dialogues about this form of abuse, we can support victims and create a society where healthy, respectful relationships are the norm.
If you or someone you know needs assistance, don’t hesitate to seek help—there’s hope and support waiting for you.
How can we help?
Melanie Bridgen is a leading Partner in our expert Family Law team.
At Nelsons, we have a team of specialist solicitors in Derby, Leicester or Nottingham who are experienced in advising on a wide range of family law matters. If you have any queries, please contact us and we will be happy to discuss your circumstances in more detail and give you more information about the services that our family law solicitors can provide along with details of our hourly rates and fixed fee services.
Please contact Melanie or another member of the team on 0800 024 1976 or via our online form.
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