What is Coercive Behaviour in Domestic Abuse?

Coercive behaviour, when linked to domestic abuse, refers to patterns of conduct that are aimed at gaining control over another person, isolating them, or creating dependency. In UK law, under the Serious Crime Act 2015, coercive and controlling behaviour in an intimate or family relationship is recognised as a criminal offence. This legal recognition is significant for health and social care professionals, as their work often brings them into contact with individuals experiencing domestic abuse.

Within health and social care, this means staff must be aware not only of physical violence but also of behaviours that control, frighten or manipulate a person. Many victims of domestic abuse come into contact with health professionals, social workers, or care staff for unrelated reasons, and coercive behaviour may be present even when there are no visible injuries.

Coercive Behaviour Linked to Domestic Abuse

Coercive behaviour in domestic abuse is a long-term pattern, not a single incident. It often involves psychological, emotional, or economic control. The aim is to make the victim feel trapped, dependent, and powerless. In this context, coercion does not have to involve threats of physical harm; it can be much more about subtle restrictions that remove a person’s freedom.

In health and social care, awareness of these patterns is particularly important because victims often present with stress-related illnesses, anxiety, depression, or physical symptoms that could be linked to the abusive situation.

Common features include:

• Isolating the victim from friends, relatives, or support services
• Monitoring their movements or communications
• Controlling access to money, medication, or personal documents
• Gaslighting – making the victim question their memory or perception
• Making threats to harm the victim, children, or pets

Recognising these behaviours can be lifesaving, especially in early intervention.

Examples Identified in Care Settings

For domestic abuse victims, contact with a health or social care professional can be one of the few opportunities to disclose what is happening. Yet coercive measures from an abuser may prevent them from speaking freely.

Examples seen in health and social care include:

• A partner insisting on being present during medical appointments and answering questions for the victim
• The abuser restricting access to phones or transport so that the victim cannot get to appointments
• Withholding medication or medical aids to keep the victim dependent
• Discouraging engagement with support services by threatening loss of home, custody of children, or financial security
• Monitoring and interrogating the victim after every professional appointment

These behaviours aim to keep the victim under control and prevent external help.

Legal Context in the UK – Domestic Abuse

The Serious Crime Act 2015 defines coercive or controlling behaviour within intimate relationships as an offence when it has a serious effect on the victim and the parties are personally connected. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 expands the definition of domestic abuse to include emotional, financial, and coercive control, making it clear that abuse is not limited to physical violence.

For health and social care professionals, this creates both a legal and professional duty to identify, act upon, and report concerns. The Care Act 2014 outlines safeguarding responsibilities for adults at risk, which includes protecting them from domestic abuse.

The Impact of Coercive Control in Domestic Abuse

The harm caused by coercive behaviour in domestic abuse can be deep and lasting. Victims may suffer from:

• Chronic stress, anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Sleep problems, weight loss or gain, and general poor health
• Low self-esteem and a loss of confidence in decision-making
• Withdrawal from social life and hobbies
• Economic hardship if access to money is controlled

In some cases, victims internalise the control, accepting the abuser’s rules as normal. This makes recognition and assistance from trained professionals critical.

Why Health and Social Care Staff Must Recognise It

Professionals may be the first to notice signs of coercive control. For domestic abuse victims, a GP, nurse, social worker, or care coordinator may be their only contact outside the home. Subtle observations can make a difference:

• The person appears nervous or reluctant to speak in front of their partner
• They have limited control over their schedule or decision-making
• They cancel or miss appointments without explanation
• There is a general sense of fear, hyper-vigilance, or seeking permission before responding

Recognising these signals, asking sensitive questions, and providing safe opportunities to talk can open pathways to support.

Preventing Escalation and Providing Support

The role of health and social care is not to act as law enforcement but to safeguard and support. When coercive control linked to domestic abuse is identified, staff can:

• Create a safe, private environment to speak to the person alone
• Offer information about local domestic abuse services, hotlines and refuges
• Make safeguarding referrals where there is risk to safety
• Document concerns carefully and factually
• Engage multi-agency support, including police, social services, and advocacy organisations

Prevention of further harm depends on swift, thoughtful action and confidentiality.

Safe Questions and Conversations

Asking about domestic abuse requires sensitivity and safety. Professionals should avoid questioning the victim in front of the suspected abuser. Suitable approaches include:

• Asking open-ended questions about home life, safety, and wellbeing
• Normalising the conversation by explaining that abuse is common and support is available
• Being patient and accepting that disclosure may take time
• Providing reassurance that coercive control is abuse and not the victim’s fault

This approach minimises the risk of the abuser retaliating and increases trust between the victim and the professional.

Multi-Agency Working

Domestic abuse involving coercive control is best addressed through coordinated action. Health and social care professionals often work alongside:

• Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs)
• Police domestic abuse units
• Housing officers
• Legal services
• Charities focusing on safeguarding and abuse recovery

By sharing information in a lawful and safe way, agencies can create stronger protection plans for victims and their children.

Barriers to Seeking Help

Coercive control is particularly effective at stopping victims from reaching out. Common barriers include:

• Fear of retaliation, violence, or losing children
• Shame or embarrassment
• Cultural or community pressures
• Financial dependency
• Lack of awareness that coercive control is a crime

Understanding these barriers helps professionals adopt approaches that reduce fear and build trust.

The Role of Training in Recognising Domestic Abuse

Training health and social care staff is vital to identifying coercive control. This should include:

• How to spot controlling behaviours in consultations
• How to ask questions safely
• Knowledge of referral processes for domestic abuse cases
• Awareness of trauma-informed care

By having the right skills, staff can detect patterns early and prevent abuse from escalating.

Supporting Recovery from Coercive Control

Recovery takes time and often begins once the victim is in a safe environment. Professionals can help by:

• Linking the person to counselling or therapy
• Supporting access to housing and financial help
• Encouraging the rebuilding of social networks
• Helping the person to regain independence in daily decisions

Ongoing emotional support can empower survivors to rebuild their lives and confidence.

Final Thoughts

Coercive behaviour in the context of domestic abuse is about long-term control, fear, and the removal of freedom. In health and social care, recognising this pattern is vital, as victims often come into contact with professionals without openly disclosing abuse. Understanding the tactics used by perpetrators, observing signs, asking safe questions, and linking victims with specialist help can save lives. Laws in the UK clearly define this behaviour as a criminal offence, and health and social care services have a clear role in safeguarding those affected. By being alert, compassionate, and proactive, professionals can break the cycle of control and open the door to safety and recovery.