Coercive and controlling behaviour: tips for social care practitioners on supporting victims

Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 created the offence of controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship. If found guilty, a perpetrator faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine, or both. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 extends the offence of coercive and controlling behaviour, no longer making it a requirement for abusers and victims to either still be in a relationship or to still live together when it occurs.

Coercive and controlling behaviours are a form of gender-based violence used by perpetrators to limit another person’s freedom by making them subordinate via the use of humiliation and threats. They do not relate to a single incident but rather a purposeful pattern of behaviours carried out over a period of time, in order to exert power and control.

People experiencing coercive control often struggle to come forward to seek support, but there are ways that social workers can assist if they spot the signs of coercive control:

• Speak to the victim alone – where possible, try and speak to them away from their partner. This may not be as simple as being in a different room in a house, but rather being in a different building. Victims are often justifiably reluctant to speak about what is happening in their relationships, and will be particularly unlikely to do so if their partner is with them or in close proximity.

• Ask questions but allow people to make their own decisions – if you suspect that someone is being controlled, speak to them (if it is safe to do so) about what they are experiencing and what they would like to happen. There are many services that can support people who are experiencing domestic abuse, including specific services for women, those in LGBTQ relationships, those from black and minority ethnic communities and men.

• Listen, and refer to appropriate services – in many cases this will include domestic abuse services, but be aware that some people may not want this. The fear of speaking about the abuse to an organisation may be too much for some people, who may worry that their partner will find out, they will lose their children/housing/finances etc, or may believe that the relationship will get better without intervention. Listening to the individual’s concerns and worries and acting accordingly will result in a better outcome for them than acting without their consent. Remember, perpetrators may tell their partners that social workers will come and remove their children if they do not ‘do as they are told’, which will make many reluctant to speak out.

• Reporting to the police – again, listen to the individual about their wishes. If someone does wish to report to the police, they will be taking risks and will need to be supported through this process. Social workers should ensure that if anyone wishes to report abuse they have appropriate support in place – whether that is emotional support, practical advice and/or help with sourcing alternative housing. Also, social workers should ensure that they understand coercive and controlling behaviour and know about the statutory guidance framework in relation to the offence and the evidence needed to build a case. Being equipped and able to explain this to victims will help them make an informed decision about whether they want to proceed down this route.

• Support after reporting – be aware that if someone does report to the police or other services, the abuse will not necessarily cease. Research suggests that stalking and harassment continue after a relationship has ended, and the effects of this can be equally as devastating as abuse perpetrated within the relationship. Evidence suggests that victims are also most at risk of homicide when first leaving an abusive relationship, or shortly after. If someone has ties to their partner, for example, children, they can also be used as a tool of control by the perpetrator. Ensure that victims are supported after reporting, if this is what they decide to do.

• Financial support – many people may not have access to their own income if they decide to leave a relationship. The prospect of having to access a refuge or becoming homeless may discourage them from leaving. Ensure that housing options are discussed with the victim so that they are provided with advice on how to secure appropriate housing if they decide to leave the relationship. In addition, ensure that they are aware of any benefits they are entitled to claim.

If you have a Community Care Inform Adults licence, log in to access the full guide. The guide forms part of Inform Adults’ knowledge and practice hub on domestic abuse.