Domestic violence and abuse is defined as:-
“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse: psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional.”
Domestic abuse not always physical. Coercive control is defined as:-
“an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.”
This controlling behaviour is designed to make a person dependent by isolating them from support, exploiting them, depriving them of independence and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive control is now a criminal offence.
Some common examples of coercive behaviour are:
- Isolating you from friends and family
- Depriving you of basic needs, such as food
- Monitoring your time
- Monitoring you via online communication tools or spyware
- Taking control over aspects of your everyday life, such as where you can go, who you can see, what you can wear and when you can sleep
- Depriving you access to support services, such as medical services
- Repeatedly putting you down in public or private, such as saying you’re worthless, mocking you or calling you names
- Humiliating, degrading or dehumanising you
- Controlling your finances
- Making threats or intimidating you
- Sexual violence
- Physical violence
Acknowledging these examples is an important first step in preventing and stopping the abuse. If you are experiencing abusive behaviour, it is important to remember that the abuse is not your fault, that domestic abuse is against the law, and that you don’t have to deal with this on your own because there is a support available.
In an emergency you should call the Police on 999 (you do not need a signal or credit to do so). We would also encourage you to call the 24 hour National Domestic Violence helpline on 0808 2000 247.
We a CP law can also assist you with stopping this abuse by obtaining a non molestation order.
For further information please call the family department on 0345 241 3100, email us on mail@cplaw.co.uk or visit www.cplaw.co.uk and follow us on twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
