Coercive control: Understanding, recognising and responding
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour used to dominate and frighten a partner or family member. It can include isolation, monitoring, financial restriction, and threats. It’s not always physical, but it’s still domestic abuse — and it’s against the law. Support is available, whoever you are.
Understanding coercive control
Coercive control is the legal term for a pattern of behaviour designed to dominate another person and take away their independence. It can include isolation, monitoring, financial control, and threats or intimidation used to instil fear. Coercive control rarely involves a single incident — it builds gradually, often becoming harder to recognise from inside the relationship. It doesn’t need to include physical violence to be serious. Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, coercive control is recognised as a form of domestic abuse in its own right.
Our training helps professionals recognise and respond to it with confidence.
Signs of coercive control
Coercive control can be hard to spot, especially from inside a relationship. It often develops gradually, so behaviour that felt caring at first can shift into control over time. These signs don’t all need to be present, and everyone’s experience is different. If any of this feels familiar, it’s worth talking to someone you trust or contacting our team in confidence.
- Checking your phone, emails or social media without permission, or demanding passwords.
- Stopping you from seeing friends, family, or leaving the house alone.
- Controlling your money — limiting access, demanding receipts, or taking your wages.
- Putting you down, criticising you constantly, or making you feel worthless.
- Threatening to hurt you, themselves, your children, or pets if you try to leave.
Next steps for support and awareness
Whether you’re curious to learn more about abuse, recognise these behaviours in your own relationship, or want to support someone else, we can help you find your next step. Browse below to find training, signs of abuse, or ways to get in touch — whatever feels right for you.
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If you or someone else needs support: We’re here Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm excluding bank holidays (7.30pm on Wednesdays) – 24/7 confidential answerphone available outside these times.
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Learn about other abuse types
Coercive control rarely happens on its own. Explore Physical abuse, emotional abuse and other forms of domestic abuse to see the fuller picture.
Understand your legal options
Wondering what protection is available? From key terms, to the Domestic Abuse Act, we can help you understand your rights and the routes to safety.
Professional guidance & training
We deliver training for professionals and communities, in person and online, to help you spot the signs and respond confidently.
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Browse our activity booklets and safety resources, designed to support healthy relationships, safety planning and awareness, for individuals, families and professionals.
Explore key information
Coercive control can be difficult to understand and even harder to talk about. Expand your knowledge to help you recognise the signs, understand your options, and find the right support — whether you’re worried about yourself, someone else, or want to learn more as a professional.
Why don’t people just leave?
Leaving isn’t simple. Coercive control often removes access to money, transport or support networks, and can involve real threats. Fear and isolation make leaving harder than it looks.
Does it affect children too?
Yes. Children living with coercive control often sense the fear and tension, even without seeing it directly. It can shape their sense of safety and how they see relationships.
Is coercive control a crime?
Yes. Since 2015, coercive and controlling behaviour has been a criminal offence in England and Wales. It’s recognised in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 as a serious form of abuse.
Can it happen to anyone?
Yes. Coercive control can affect people of any gender, age or background, in any type of relationship. It isn’t only something that happens to women, or only in heterosexual relationships.
Get in touch
If you’re experiencing abuse, whether physical or another form, we’re here to help. Our team offers confidential support, with no pressure or judgement. If you’re feeling unsure, you don’t need all the answers, just reach out, and we can start with an informal chat.
Support for men
helpline@equation.org.uk
Support for men
0800 995 6999
LGBTQ+ Support
LGBTQ@equation.org.uk
LGBTQ+ Support
03300 880787
Still not sure about making a referral?
Many people find it hard to reach out, and that’s okay. Help is here whenever you’re ready. Our team listens to whatever you share, by any method that feels right.
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