Coercive Control
Coercive control is an increasingly recognised trend that lawyers are seeing in family law, and is a pattern of behaviour designed to dominate and isolate a partner, eroding their independence without necessarily involving physical violence.
It is a repeated pattern of actions that create fear and strip away autonomy.
Such actions can include:
- Isolating from friends and family
- Constant belittling and humiliation
- Monitoring and surveillance
- Controlling finances
- Threats (not always physical)
- Micro-managing daily life
- Enforcing strict, often arbitrary, rules
The challenge is that coercive control often leaves no visible physical marks. The harm is primarily psychological, leading to anxiety and isolation. Perpetrators may appear outwardly normal, making the abuse difficult to recognise.
Family lawyers are increasingly equipped to deal with coercive control, and recognise its damaging impact beyond physical violence. Family Courts are also increasingly focusing on the overall pattern of behaviour, aided by legislation like the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which criminalises coercive control. Evidence of such behaviour can significantly impact decisions about children, finances, and protection orders.
The Family Team at E J Moyle LLP are skilled at recognising, evidencing, and addressing coercive control. They use a range of legal tools and work with other professionals to protect victims and ensure that the Family Court considers the full spectrum of abusive behaviours when making decisions. The focus is on the impact of the controlling behaviour on the victim's safety and well-being, as well as the best interests of any children involved.
You can contact our compassionate Family Law Team, Sharon Lyon and Tracy Randall-May on 01903 784447 or email slyon@moyle.co.uk / Trandall-May@moyle.co.uk in complete confidence for an initial meeting where we can listen and give you the advice you need.
