WORKSHOP
An Awareness of Coercive Control
Trigger warning
Please be aware that this workshop will cover the topics of trauma and domestic abuse
We ask that you bear in mind your own wellbeing
If you need further support, please contact us on 01922 649 569
What can you expect?
The session will run for 3 hours.There will be scheduled break for 15 minutes.
There will be interactivity - we need your involvement.
The presentation and resources will be shared after the session.
About you
Your name Job role What you want to get out of today's session
Why does it matter?
Scan the QR code to complete the quiz and access todays resources
Does DA happen in Walsall?
2021 - 6610 DA crimes recorded by the police
Your area
2021 - 352 coercive control offences recorded by the police
2023/24 – 1823 victims supported by BCWA DA services
DA Act 2021 Definition
First legal, cross-departmental definition of domestic abuse in the UK
Behaviour of a person "A"
towards another person "B" is domestic abuse if:
?!&$!!
16+
Both aged 16+
Personally connected
?!&$!!
The behavior is abusive
16+
16+
DA Act 2021 Definition
They are or have been married/civil partners of each other
What does personally connected mean?
They have agreed to marry one another/ entered civil partnership agreement (whether or not the agreement has been terminated)
According to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, two people are personally connected if any of the following applies:
They each have, or there has been a time when they each have had, a parental relationship with the same child
They are, or have been, in an intimate personal relationship with each other
They are relatives
Coercive and controlling behaviour
Serious Crime Act 2015
Coercive and controlling behaviour in an intimate or family relationship is a crime under Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.
As of February 2025, those convicted of coercive or controlling behaviour and sentenced to 12 months or more will automatically be managed under multi-agency public protection arrangements (Mappa).
Coercive & controlling behaviour
Section 76 Serious Crime Act 2015
Coercive and controlling behaviour
Serious Crime Act 2015
Coercive behaviour
"An act or a pattern of acts of assaults, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim."
Controlling behaviour
"A range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour."
Coercive & controlling behaviour
Controlling or Coercive Behaviour in an Intimate or Family Relationship, Statutory Guidance Framework, UK Home Office, December 2015
In groups...
Think of some examples of coercive and controlling behaviour
Be prepared to feedback
Tactics
Intimidation & threats
Isolation
Monitoring & surveillance
Controlling aspects of everyday life
Behaviours and tactics
Economic abuse
Criticism
Manipulation
Reproductive coercion
Is this coercive control?
BBC Documentary
Behaviours and tactics
A hidden crime
“Coercive control is designed to isolate and silence its victims but even those that do speak struggle against the limited capacity for words to truly describe an environment that is cultivated over years. The oppressive environment felt by the abused family is invisible to a temporary observer.”
Behaviours and tactics
Luke and Ryan Hart, Operation Lighthouse
745 convictions (year ending Dec 2023)
45,310 offences recorded by police (year ending Mar 2024)
A hidden crime
“The scars from mental cruelty can be as deep and long-lasting as wounds from punches or slaps but are often not as obvious.”
51% of aggravating factors in DA related deaths (Oct 22 - Sept 23)
Behaviours and tactics
Lundy Bancroft
In groups...
Read your allocated case study and identify:
- the coercive and controlling behaviour tactics
- the potential impacts of coercive control on Audrey/ Sasha/ Ali
Be prepared to feedback
Coercive control explained
Luke & Ryan Hart
Behaviours and tactics
Impacts
Low self-worth & self-esteem
Physical & mental health issues
“It’s one of the most disempowering forms of abuse that one can possibly experience.”
Traumatisation
Impacts
Financial issues
Polly Neate, former CEO of Women's Aid
Isolation
Children
Long term impacts
"The damage done to the victim's ability to trust others is profound. Abusive relationships break down the person’s confidence in their own judgment, causing a lingering doubt that can affect all future relationships. Survivors often struggle to trust their own instincts and have difficulty trusting others, even when they are no longer with the abuser."
Impacts
Lundy Bancroft (2002). Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men. Berkley Books.
"A normal response to an abnormal situation."
Impacts
Behaviour change
If they disobey the perpetrator there will be punishment, so the victim changes their behaviour to avoid this.
The punishment is something they know will upset the victim and they will do anything to avoid it.
They establish that if the victim does something that they do not like, they will be punished in some way.
Impacts
A credible threat
In a coercive and controlling relationship, the perpetrator establishes a ‘credible threat’ over their victim.
How this impacts Audrey
Behaviour change
In order for Audrey to avoid the punishment, she ensures that dinner is always ready for 7pm regardless of her own needs.
Henry will throw the dinner away and spend the rest of the evening ignoring her so that she feels guilty.
Impacts
When Audrey does not make dinner for 7pm, she knows that she will be punished.
A credible threat
Henry expects dinner to be on the table at 7pm or there will be ‘consequences’.
How this impacts Audrey
Audrey’s son, James, wanted to call her at 7pm, but Audrey ignored the call because she did not want dinner to be disrupted and Henry to punish her.
Mum doesn't care. She always puts dad's needs before mine.
I've let my son down. I can't get anything right.
Impacts
This behaviour can seem abnormal to an 'outside' person, but makes complete sense to the victim.
"A normal response to an abnormal situation"
The power of coercive control
“Abusers create a climate in which the victim feels that her world is defined solely by the abuser’s perspective and authority, with outsiders either irrelevant or hostile. This not only limits her options but compels her to adopt his worldview as her own, drawing her further into isolation and dependence.”
Impacts
Evan Stark (2007) Coercive Control: How Men Entrap Women in Personal Life. Oxford University Press.
Talking about coercive control
In groups...
Discuss how you would respond to Sasha's disclosure
Think about how you would create a safe environment
Be prepared to feedback
Talking to someone about coercive control
Create a safe environment
Be mindful of language
Talking about coercive control
Give them time and space to talk
Look at the bigger picture
Talking to someone about coercive control
Has anyone close to you tried to control your actions or decisions?
Has anyone prevented you from being with people you want to be with?
Talking about coercive control
Have there been instances where you felt pressured to do something against your will by someone close to you?
Has anyone close to you made you feel afraid or intimidated?
Safety planning - is it safe to go home?
YES
NO
- Do they have any family or friends it would be safe to stay with?
- Support them to contact refuge/emergency accommodation via the Council/BCWA.
- Do the police/safeguarding need to be contacted?
- If the person feels at immediate risk of harm, they should call the police on 999 - silent solution press 55.
- Offer specialist support service contact details.
- Encourage them to think about where they can go in case of an emergency.
Talking about coercive control
Hollie Guard personal safety app
YOUR safety
Both physical and emotional safety are important
- Do not approach the abuser or try to mediate
- Risk assess
- Safety plan
- If lone working, follow your organisation's policy & procedures
- Use a personal safety app
- Debrief and take time to reflect
Keeping yourself safe
BAND
Professor Elizabeth Yardley
Keeping yourself safe
Safeguarding concerns
Concerns regarding a child/children: Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub: 0300 555 2866
Out of office hours (evenings, weekends and bank holidays) Emergency Response Team Telephone: 0300 555 2922
Support resources
Concerns regarding a vulnerable adult: Walsall adult safeguarding team:
Telephone: 0300 555 2922
Textphone: 07919014925
Email: initialintake@walsall.gov.uk
Support available (local)
Black Country Women's Aid All referrals, including self-referrals can be made via: Telephone: 01922 649 569 (24 hours) Text/Whatsapp: 07384 466 181 (9am-9pm weekdays) Webchat (see our website for details)
DA referrals If children are present, complete a MARF or request DA support through the Early Help pathway (depending on level of concern)
Support resources
Ask Marc (support specifically for men) Telephone: 0121 289 6402 Email: info@askmarc.org.uk Secure email: askmarcreferrals@sandwellwa.cjsm.net
Horizon - Sexual Assault Referral Centre Telephone: 0800 970 0375 - 24 Hours
Support available (national)
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300
Support resources
Men's Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
Respect phoneline for anyone worried about their own behaviour toward others: 0808 802 4040
Q&A
Your feedback is important
Please complete the feedback form via the link or QR code
WALSALL WORKSHOP Coercive Control
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Transcript
WORKSHOP
An Awareness of Coercive Control
Trigger warning
Please be aware that this workshop will cover the topics of trauma and domestic abuse
We ask that you bear in mind your own wellbeing
If you need further support, please contact us on 01922 649 569
What can you expect?
The session will run for 3 hours.There will be scheduled break for 15 minutes.
There will be interactivity - we need your involvement.
The presentation and resources will be shared after the session.
About you
Your name Job role What you want to get out of today's session
Why does it matter?
Scan the QR code to complete the quiz and access todays resources
Does DA happen in Walsall?
2021 - 6610 DA crimes recorded by the police
Your area
2021 - 352 coercive control offences recorded by the police
2023/24 – 1823 victims supported by BCWA DA services
DA Act 2021 Definition
First legal, cross-departmental definition of domestic abuse in the UK
Behaviour of a person "A"
towards another person "B" is domestic abuse if:
?!&$!!
16+
Both aged 16+
Personally connected
?!&$!!
The behavior is abusive
16+
16+
DA Act 2021 Definition
They are or have been married/civil partners of each other
What does personally connected mean?
They have agreed to marry one another/ entered civil partnership agreement (whether or not the agreement has been terminated)
According to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, two people are personally connected if any of the following applies:
They each have, or there has been a time when they each have had, a parental relationship with the same child
They are, or have been, in an intimate personal relationship with each other
They are relatives
Coercive and controlling behaviour
Serious Crime Act 2015
Coercive and controlling behaviour in an intimate or family relationship is a crime under Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015.
As of February 2025, those convicted of coercive or controlling behaviour and sentenced to 12 months or more will automatically be managed under multi-agency public protection arrangements (Mappa).
Coercive & controlling behaviour
Section 76 Serious Crime Act 2015
Coercive and controlling behaviour
Serious Crime Act 2015
Coercive behaviour
"An act or a pattern of acts of assaults, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim."
Controlling behaviour
"A range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour."
Coercive & controlling behaviour
Controlling or Coercive Behaviour in an Intimate or Family Relationship, Statutory Guidance Framework, UK Home Office, December 2015
In groups...
Think of some examples of coercive and controlling behaviour
Be prepared to feedback
Tactics
Intimidation & threats
Isolation
Monitoring & surveillance
Controlling aspects of everyday life
Behaviours and tactics
Economic abuse
Criticism
Manipulation
Reproductive coercion
Is this coercive control?
BBC Documentary
Behaviours and tactics
A hidden crime
“Coercive control is designed to isolate and silence its victims but even those that do speak struggle against the limited capacity for words to truly describe an environment that is cultivated over years. The oppressive environment felt by the abused family is invisible to a temporary observer.”
Behaviours and tactics
Luke and Ryan Hart, Operation Lighthouse
745 convictions (year ending Dec 2023)
45,310 offences recorded by police (year ending Mar 2024)
A hidden crime
“The scars from mental cruelty can be as deep and long-lasting as wounds from punches or slaps but are often not as obvious.”
51% of aggravating factors in DA related deaths (Oct 22 - Sept 23)
Behaviours and tactics
Lundy Bancroft
In groups...
Read your allocated case study and identify:
Be prepared to feedback
Coercive control explained
Luke & Ryan Hart
Behaviours and tactics
Impacts
Low self-worth & self-esteem
Physical & mental health issues
“It’s one of the most disempowering forms of abuse that one can possibly experience.”
Traumatisation
Impacts
Financial issues
Polly Neate, former CEO of Women's Aid
Isolation
Children
Long term impacts
"The damage done to the victim's ability to trust others is profound. Abusive relationships break down the person’s confidence in their own judgment, causing a lingering doubt that can affect all future relationships. Survivors often struggle to trust their own instincts and have difficulty trusting others, even when they are no longer with the abuser."
Impacts
Lundy Bancroft (2002). Why Does He Do That? Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men. Berkley Books.
"A normal response to an abnormal situation."
Impacts
Behaviour change
If they disobey the perpetrator there will be punishment, so the victim changes their behaviour to avoid this.
The punishment is something they know will upset the victim and they will do anything to avoid it.
They establish that if the victim does something that they do not like, they will be punished in some way.
Impacts
A credible threat
In a coercive and controlling relationship, the perpetrator establishes a ‘credible threat’ over their victim.
How this impacts Audrey
Behaviour change
In order for Audrey to avoid the punishment, she ensures that dinner is always ready for 7pm regardless of her own needs.
Henry will throw the dinner away and spend the rest of the evening ignoring her so that she feels guilty.
Impacts
When Audrey does not make dinner for 7pm, she knows that she will be punished.
A credible threat
Henry expects dinner to be on the table at 7pm or there will be ‘consequences’.
How this impacts Audrey
Audrey’s son, James, wanted to call her at 7pm, but Audrey ignored the call because she did not want dinner to be disrupted and Henry to punish her.
Mum doesn't care. She always puts dad's needs before mine.
I've let my son down. I can't get anything right.
Impacts
This behaviour can seem abnormal to an 'outside' person, but makes complete sense to the victim.
"A normal response to an abnormal situation"
The power of coercive control
“Abusers create a climate in which the victim feels that her world is defined solely by the abuser’s perspective and authority, with outsiders either irrelevant or hostile. This not only limits her options but compels her to adopt his worldview as her own, drawing her further into isolation and dependence.”
Impacts
Evan Stark (2007) Coercive Control: How Men Entrap Women in Personal Life. Oxford University Press.
Talking about coercive control
In groups...
Discuss how you would respond to Sasha's disclosure
Think about how you would create a safe environment
Be prepared to feedback
Talking to someone about coercive control
Create a safe environment
Be mindful of language
Talking about coercive control
Give them time and space to talk
Look at the bigger picture
Talking to someone about coercive control
Has anyone close to you tried to control your actions or decisions?
Has anyone prevented you from being with people you want to be with?
Talking about coercive control
Have there been instances where you felt pressured to do something against your will by someone close to you?
Has anyone close to you made you feel afraid or intimidated?
Safety planning - is it safe to go home?
YES
NO
Talking about coercive control
Hollie Guard personal safety app
YOUR safety
Both physical and emotional safety are important
Keeping yourself safe
BAND
Professor Elizabeth Yardley
Keeping yourself safe
Safeguarding concerns
Concerns regarding a child/children: Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub: 0300 555 2866 Out of office hours (evenings, weekends and bank holidays) Emergency Response Team Telephone: 0300 555 2922
Support resources
Concerns regarding a vulnerable adult: Walsall adult safeguarding team: Telephone: 0300 555 2922 Textphone: 07919014925 Email: initialintake@walsall.gov.uk
Support available (local)
Black Country Women's Aid All referrals, including self-referrals can be made via: Telephone: 01922 649 569 (24 hours) Text/Whatsapp: 07384 466 181 (9am-9pm weekdays) Webchat (see our website for details)
DA referrals If children are present, complete a MARF or request DA support through the Early Help pathway (depending on level of concern)
Support resources
Ask Marc (support specifically for men) Telephone: 0121 289 6402 Email: info@askmarc.org.uk Secure email: askmarcreferrals@sandwellwa.cjsm.net
Horizon - Sexual Assault Referral Centre Telephone: 0800 970 0375 - 24 Hours
Support available (national)
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
National Stalking Helpline: 0808 802 0300
Support resources
Men's Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
Respect phoneline for anyone worried about their own behaviour toward others: 0808 802 4040
Q&A
Your feedback is important
Please complete the feedback form via the link or QR code