Tactics of Coercive Control

In line with current research and understanding of this issue, Domestic Abuse is frequently best understood in accordance with the tactics of Coercive Control, in which control is ultimately achieved by the perpetrator by a sustained and systematic pattern of abusive behaviour over a period of time. The following is not an exhaustive list of abusive behaviours, and not everyone will experience all of them, but it presents a sample range of such behaviours that may be employed by a perpetrator.

DOMESTIC ABUSE/COERCIVE CONTROL

Physical Abuse Pushing, shoving, hitting, slapping, punching, restraining, using weapons or threats to use weapons, destroying possessions Showing a lack of consideration for your safety, e.g. dangerous driving (Note: Such acts can be physically abusive even if they do not result in physical injury.)

Sexual Abuse Rape (including being forced to perform unwanted sexual acts or to have non-consensual sex with others) Being pressured to agree to sex and/or made to feel guilty for not having sex Unwanted touching of sexual/private parts Degrading treatment based on sexual orientation Withholding contraception or controlling access to contraception Forced pregnancy/abortion Being forced to watch pornography or participate in the making of it

Financial Abuse Denying you access to money, including your own Demanding that the family live on inadequate resources by withholding money for food, household or personal items Incurring debt in your name & coerced debt Making significant financial decisions without consultation Selling your possessions Sabotaging your ability to work or maintain work (Note: These can be contributing factors to women becoming ‘trapped’ in violent situations.)

Emotional & Psychological Abuse

Any behaviour that deliberately undermines your confidence, e.g. leads you to believe you are stupid, a ‘bad person’, useless, insane etc. Acts that humiliate, intimidate, degrade and demean you Threats to harm you, your friends, family, children and/or pets Threats to take their own life or die by suicide and/or to self-harm Silence and withdrawal as a means of control

Digital Abuse Sharing intimate and private pictures or messages online Harassing you by sending insulting or threatening messages via text, email, social media or phone Monitoring your online activity and/or checking your search history ‘Liking’ a post you are contributing to so they can ‘follow’ you Social engineering by using your identity Using technology as a tracking device Accessing your online accounts, emails and phone to check on you Reprogramming utilities, e.g. turning the heat/lights on/off remotely Using phone to access cameras that are in the house to monitor you

Social Abuse Stopping you from seeing friends, family or other people directly/ indirectly Not allowing you outside your home, room or accommodation Not allowing you to participate in social and community activities Needing to know everywhere you have been or are going