Understanding Coercive Control: Recognising and Addressing Abusive Behaviours
Coercive control is a form of abuse that involves patterns of manipulative and abusive behaviours used by one person to exert power and control over another. Over time, this creates fear, diminishes the victim’s freedom and independence, and often underpins family and domestic violence. It’s crucial to recognise the signs and understand how to seek help if you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control.
What is Coercive Control?
Coercive control can involve both physical and non-physical abuse. Non-physical abuse is sometimes thought of as less serious, but this is not the case. All abuse can cause lasting damage that builds up and gets worse over time.
Key Characteristics of Coercive Control:
- Physical, Emotional, and Psychological Abuse: This can include actions that cause physical harm, emotional distress, and psychological manipulation.
- Social and Financial Control: This can involve isolating the victim from friends and family, controlling their finances, and restricting their access to resources.
Spiritual and Cultural Abuse: Preventing the victim from practising their religion or cultural traditions.
Recognising the Signs of Coercive Control:
The signs of coercive control can be hard to spot. People who use coercive control to get what they want can be good at hiding it from others, and their abuse can be subtle and targeted.
Some of the Signs of Coercive Control Include:
Controlling who a person sees, what they wear, and where they go: Restricting the victim’s social interactions, clothing choices, and movements.
Monitoring or tracking everything a person does: Using technology or other means to keep constant surveillance on the victim.
Controlling everyday needs: Such as finances, medication, food, or exercise.
Regularly criticising or blaming the victim: Manipulating them to doubt themselves and their experiences.
Forcing someone to have sex or do sexual things: Using coercion or threats to obtain sexual compliance.
Stopping a person from following their religion or cultural practices: Preventing the victim from engaging in their spiritual or cultural activities.
Threatening a person, their children, family, or friends: Using threats to instil fear and maintain control.
Manipulating co-parenting arrangements or child support payments: Using children as a tool to exert control after a relationship ends.
The Impact of Coercive Control
Many people who experience coercive control feel trapped and afraid. Their self-esteem and confidence may have been slowly worn down by repeated abuse, making it difficult to leave a relationship or get help.
Consequences of Coercive Control:
- Physical harm and injury.
- Emotional and psychological distress.
- Financial dependence and insecurity.
- Social isolation and loss of support networks.
- Spiritual and cultural alienation.
What Can I Do?
If you think you might be experiencing coercive control, contacting a confidential support service for advice is a good first step. If you’re concerned that someone you know might be experiencing coercive control, or something doesn’t seem quite right, you can help by choosing a safe place to talk to the person alone and letting them know you’re worried about them.
How to Help:
- Be willing to listen and take their fears seriously.
- Offer support without judgement.
- Provide information about resources and organisations that can help.
Seeking Professional Help
Navigating the legal and emotional complexities of coercive control can be overwhelming. At Village Family Lawyers, we specialise in family law and can guide you through every step to help you maintain a meaningful relationship with your loved ones and ensure your safety and well-being.
Contact Information for Support
If you need assistance or support regarding coercive control, contact the following services:
1800RESPECT
📞 1800 737 732 (available 24/7)
🌐 1800respect.org.au
For more information about coercive control and the National Principles to Address Coercive Control in Family and Domestic Violence, go to ag.gov.au/coercivecontrol.
Village Family Lawyers are dedicated to supporting families and helping you achieve a safe and healthy living environment. Reach out to us for empathetic, professional, and practical legal guidance.
