Coercive Control
Coercive control is used by abusers in a variety of ways, this can be anything from controlling someone's finances to isolating someone from their friends and family. This kind of behaviour is a form of domestic abuse and we can help you spot the signs and take control of your life.
What is coercive control?
First and foremost, coercive control is a form of domestic abuse. We can support you if your abuser is perpetrating this abuse. You are not alone.
Coercive control is an act, or a pattern of acts, of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation that abusers use to harm, punish or frighten survivors. It doesn’t relate to a single incident – it is a purposeful pattern of behaviour.
Controlling or coercive behaviour within an intimate or familial relationship is a crime and perpetrators can be prosecuted.
Spotting the signs
It can be tricky to spot coercive control so we’ve pulled together a list of questions to help you spot the signs:
- Does your partner/abuser isolate you from your friends and family?
- Does your partner/abuser stop you from fulfilling your basic needs i.e. having food, water and shelter?
- Does your partner/abuser monitor how you spend your time?
- Does your partner/abuser keep tracks of what you do online?
- Does your partner/abuser control when you sleep, where you go, who you see and what you wear?
- Does your partner/abuser consistently put you down and tell you you’re worthless?
- Does your partner/abuser force you to be involved in criminal activities?
- Does your partner/abuser have control over your finances? Do they only allow you a small allowance that they control?
- Has your partner/abuser threatened to hurt or kill you?
- Has your partner/abuser threatened to hurt or kill your child or children?
- Has your partner/abuser threatened to publish or share your private information? This also includes outing you.
- Has your partner/abuser prevented you from accessing transport or work?
- Has your partner/abuser assaulted or raped you?