Introduction
In late 2024, we published a Safeguarding Adults Review about Tom, who experienced neglect, emotional, and psychological abuse by his then-wife and paid carer. The safeguarding process identified concerns about serious neglect, coercive control, and disguised compliance. This highlighted the current lack of understanding and guidance available to staff about coercive control and disguised compliance. The following information is designed to provide you with an overview of what coercive control is, how to recognise it, and what to do if you suspect that an adult with care and support needs is experiencing coercive control.
For information about disguised compliance, visit Understanding Disguised Compliance | Explore Series (PDF, 201KB).
What is coercive control?
Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse. Since 2015 coercive control has been a criminal act and is defined in statutory guidance as “an intentional pattern of behaviour which takes place over time, in order for one individual to exert power, control or coercion over another” (Home Office, 2023). In almost all cases, the intention behind coercive control is to make a person dependent upon the perpetrator, by isolating them from other sources of support, restricting their independence, and exploiting them, often for financial gain.
What does coercive control look like?
Controlling and coercive behaviour can take many forms; the definition focusses primarily on the intent behind the behaviour, rather than the form of the behaviour itself. In all cases, it is defined as occurring between people who are ‘personally connected’, whether it be a family relationship, a current intimate relationship, or a historical relationship. This is whether or not they currently reside in the same property. Controlling and coercive behaviours include (but are not limited to):
- physical violence and threats of physical abuse
- sexual abuse, including sexual coercion
- emotional and psychological abuse, including constant criticism, undermining, and manipulation
- controlling daily activities, such as what they wear, eat, how and where they sleep, and who they can talk to
- monitoring their communications with others
- controlling their finances
- coercing the adult into criminal activity
- reproductive coercion, including restricting access to birth control or forcing someone into an abortion
- controlling somebody through drug or alcohol dependency
- controlling somebody through child custody arrangements
- withholding personal identification or documentation
- restricting access to services, such as health or social care appointments
What are the risk factors for coercive control?
As with all types of abuse, anyone can be at risk of experiencing coercive control. However, there are risk factors which put some people at an increased risk. These include (but are not limited to):
- disability, including physical, learning disability, and mental health needs
- substance and alcohol misuse
- history or current experience of domestic abuse
- individuals from the LGBTQ+ community
- older adults
- pregnancy
- adults in receipt of either formal or informal care
How can we mitigate against these risks?
The key to mitigating against coercive control, is knowing how to recognise its signs. You can reduce the risk of coercive control by ensuring that you facilitate meaningful engagement with adults and those with whom they are ‘personally connected’ as appropriate. This will include ensuring that you:
- use a trauma-informed approach
- are person-centred in your approach
- recognise strengths and any positive change to build trust
- ensure that you are professionally curious
- engage in multi-agency working to assess risk, mental capacity, and to explore options to support
- create opportunities to speak with the adult alone, and not in the presence of family or carers
What should I do if I am concerned about coercive control?
If you are concerned that an adult with care and support needs is experiencing coercive control, you should refer to the domestic abuse section of the Safeguarding Thresholds: Guidance for Professionals (PDF, 456KB).
This document will provide you with examples and guidance for non-reportable concerns, concerns requiring consultation, and concerns that should be referred as a safeguarding matter.
