Coercive Control will now be Treated Similarly to Other Domestic Abuse Offences

From today, Monday the 3^rd of February 2025, offenders convicted of coercive, controlling behaviour will receive tougher management from police and probation services.

This change in the law will apply to anybody who has been sentenced to 12 months or more including suspended sentences or those given a hospital order. They will now be managed under the multi-agency public protection arrangements (Mappa). The police, probation, prison services, and other agencies are now legally required to work together to manage these offenders and reduce the risks they pose.

What does this Mean for Cases of Coercive Control?

The aforementioned agencies will now be legally required to report any information that indicates an increased risk to ex partners or members of the public.

The BBC, quoting the Ministry of Justice, state that offenders managed under Mappa have a reoffending rate less than half of the national average. This change to the law will see a positive trend of reducing coercive control reoffence.

This, and other measures introduced in the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024, will provide more power to the victims of domestic abuse, who can rest-assured the correct authority will manage their abuser properly.

What is Coercive Control?

Coercive control is a pattern of actions such as threats, humiliation, and intimidation, and sometimes assault, which abusers use to harm victims. These behaviours are designed to break the victim down, to make them feel inferior or to keep them dependent on the perpetrator. It is important to recognise that domestic abuse is not always physical. In many cases, the abuse is mental, and victims may not be aware it affects them.

What is Controlling Behaviour?

Controlling behaviours are any types of actions that limit a person’s life including, isolating someone from their support network (family and friends), depriving someone of basic needs, monitoring someone’s time or monitoring their online communications or activities.

Domestic Abuse Solicitors

If you recognise that you are being affected by coercive control, or other controlling behaviours, you should seek legal advice. Specialist domestic abuse solicitors will set out your options including obtaining an occupation order to remove the perpetrator from the house and more.

If you need legal support concerning domestic abuse, our expert family solicitors have helped many through this distressing time. Call 0844 800 9860 for free initial advice. Legal aid is also available.