This week marks a significant step forward for victims of coercive and controlling behaviour, with the law updated to further bring offences of this sort in line with more traditional and commonly understood domestic abuse offences. Eleanor Drury looks at the updated legislation and what it means for those involved.
From 3rd February 2025, those convicted of coercive and controlling behaviour will now face tougher professional intervention, bringing it in line with other serious domestic abuse offences, as confirmed by the Ministry of Justice. Before this, those convicted could only be actively managed on an optional basis.
Controlling and coercive behaviour can be defined as any repeated or continued behaviour or acts of control between partners, ex-partners or family members that serves to intimidate, humiliate, threaten or manipulate.
Whilst coercive control became a criminal offence back in December 2015, the crime is often overlooked or downplayed despite the number of recorded offences increasing year on year ever since. The recent changes mean that anyone convicted of the crime and sentenced to a punishment of 12 months or more will now be managed under the Mutli-Agency Public Protection Arrangements that sees probation and prison services, the police and other agencies work together to manage the risk posed by these individuals.
The working together programme requires the institutions involved to share any information which suggests there is an increased risk to former partners and members of the public. With the scheme previously having significant success in reducing the re-offending rate to less than half of the national average, both victims and professionals alike are enthusiastic about the recent developments and how this recognises the ways in which domestic abuse has evolved in recent years.
Arguably however, for many, the law may need to go further to combat these behaviours within society and increase awareness within young people as to the warning signs of coercion, the seriousness of such offences, in order to (i) educate victims (ii) deter potential offenders, who could face imprisonment of up to five years in the most serious instances.
If you or somebody you know are facing the issues outlined here, the Family Court are equipped to provide protective measures through non-molestation orders and occupation orders. Our team at McAlister Family Law can provide you with expert advice and support in this regard, please get in touch today.
