Domestic abuse

Coercive or controlling behaviour

Coercive or controlling behaviour (CCB) is a form of domestic abuse. The impact is serious and can have long lasting and damaging effects on the victim.

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The law

Controlling behaviour is defined as a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by:

• isolating them from sources of support
• exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain
• depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape
• regulating their everyday behaviour

Coercive behaviour is defined as an act or a pattern of acts of:

• assault
• threats 
• humiliation 
• intimidation 
• any other forms of abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim

The offence

Coercive or controlling behaviour in an intimate or family relationship became a criminal offence under the Serious Crime Act 2015. 

The offence carries a maximum of 5 years imprisonment, a fine or both.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 changed the definition of who counts as "personally connected" in the 2015 Act. This Act says the victim and the abuser no longer have to be living together. 

This means that the offence of controlling or coercive behaviour will also include partners, ex-partners or family members. This is regardless of whether the victim and abuser live together.

On 3 February 2025 the government announced that offenders convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour, and sentenced to 12 months or longer, will now automatically be managed under multi agency public protection arrangements. Agencies are legally required to cooperate to better manage the risks posed by these offenders. 

This recognises the significant harm this kind of offending can cause, and puts controlling or coercive behaviour on a par with other domestic abuse offences.

Signs of coercive or controlling behaviour

Coercive or controlling behaviour can happen very slowly, happen all the time, and be interspersed with quiet, calm periods seemingly of a very loving, stable relationship. This can make it very difficult to recognise the signs in your own, or another’s relationship.

Perpetrators will exploit any vulnerabilities in a victim, leaving them frightened, confused and gradually erode their self confidence.

The signs of coercive or controlling behaviour can include:

• constant criticism
• challenging victim’s role as a parent, partner or income generator
• sense of entitlement, demanding obedience
• jealousy
• controlling victims’ time and activities, making them account for what they are doing and who they are seeing. This could include tracking movements through electronics such as a mobile phone or vehicle
• taking sole charge of household income and spending, limiting victim’s access to money or taking out loans and/or credit cards and accruing debt in the victim's name
• isolating the victim from friends, family, community/religious groups
• belittling or criticising victim in front of children/friends/family
• threatening to take children away
• threatening to damage property and/or harm pets
• threatening to tell others your private and confidential information or release private images
• using a victim’s insecure immigration status to threaten them
• trying to control the victim’s body/healthcare including preventing them taking prescribed medication
• controlling the victim’s reproductive choices or reproductive healthcare. This could include denying access to birth control pills, or forcing them to take them, forcing someone to become pregnant or have an abortion, limiting or controlling access to pre or post-natal care
• giving false information to the police, a GP or other professionals
• coercing into illegal activities (such as shoplifting) or into sexual acts with perpetrator or others
• coercion into drug or alcohol abuse
• threatening suicide if the victim should leave them

Although there can be patterns of abuse and behaviours to look out for, it is important to remember that every victim’s experience will be unique and more importantly that it is not their fault. 

Who can experience it

Coercive or controlling behaviour can happen to anyone and affects people of all genders, ages, ethnicities, abilities and income levels. Absolutely anyone can experience coercive or controlling behaviour.  

Statistics show that most victims are female and most perpetrators are male. However, it can be a male victim and female perpetrator as well as in same-sex relationships.

However, if someone already experiences discrimination and inequality, an abusive person may exploit this, leaving them confused, frightened and facing a gradual erosion of self-confidence. People who experience discrimination and inequality may also face additional barriers to accessing support.

Impact of coercive or controlling behaviour 

Coercive or controlling behaviour affects every aspect of a person’s life causing immediate and long-term harm. Even if the relationship has ended, the coercive or controlling behaviour can still occur and even escalate.

Impacts can include:

• loss of confidence and self-esteem
• difficulty in maintaining relationships with friends and family
• deterioration in mental and/or physical health
• problems with employment and financial security

Although the signs are non-violent, coercive control has a strong link to intimate partner homicide. However, it might not be easy to leave due to a myriad of reasons including:

• lack of access to money
• not wanting to leave children or pets
• not feeling ready to end the relationship
• insecure immigration status

Living with any type of abuse will negatively impact children and young people, even if it is not directed at them. The effects build up over time, affecting all aspects of a child’s life, especially their wellbeing, development and health.

If you are a child or young person living with domestic abuse contact Childline on 0800 1111 or visit their website for help and support.

You can also visit our support page.  

What can I do if I have concerns about a friend or relative

If you are worried about a friend or relative, you can reach out and ask them if they are OK, especially if you have not seen so much of them lately. Listen and believe them should they open up and disclose. Be aware that it can be extremely difficult for someone to talk about their experiences.

You might feel you do not have the expertise to support them, but sometimes having someone listen to you helps you make your own decision. Listen to all that they are happy to disclose and remain calm.

Remember it is not their fault.

Suggest they seek support. They may not be ready, but be patient and do not stop enquiring after their wellbeing without pressuring them.

Offer to ring the support agency for them, or allow them to use your phone/internet if they suspect their calls and/or emails are being monitored.

Support them with their safety plan. Remember a perpetrator can be dangerous, especially if the victim should decide to leave them. Support from a specialist agency is highly recommended.

Do not forget to look after your own wellbeing at the same time and never put yourself in danger.

Available specialist support

Support from a specialist agency is highly recommended. To find dedicated specialist support, you can visit our support page.

Last updated 27 February 2025