Response to legislative change recognising coercive control on par with other forms of domestic abuse

It’s great to see legal changes  in England and Wales that place coercive control on par with other forms of domestic abuse. This is a crucial step towards recognising the full scale of harm caused by domestic abuse and making sure that all victims and survivors receive the protection they deserve. For these changes to have real impact, we must go beyond words on paper to training for frontline professionals and consistent and robust enforcement, underpinned by adequate resources to response effectively. 

Coercive control is at the heart of domestic abuse. It is a pattern of behaviour designed to isolate, intimidate, and strip away someone’s autonomy. Through financial, emotional, and psychological abuse, perpetrators create an environment where victims feel trapped, constantly monitored, and unable to live freely. These tactics can be as harmful as physical violence—leading to devastating mental health impacts, trauma, and even suicidality. 

A decade of progress—but more to do 

It has been over a decade since coercive control was first recognised in law. Since then, the number of recorded offences has continued to rise as awareness grows. In the year ending March 2023, police recorded 43,774 offences of coercive control in England and Wales—a significant increase from previous years, demonstrating both a greater understanding of the crime and a higher willingness among victims to report it. 

However, despite this progress, coercive control remains deeply misunderstood and under-prosecuted. Survivors still struggle to have their experiences recognised, and too many cases fail to progress through the justice system or result in lenient sentencing. SafeLives has long called for improved training and resourcing to ensure that professionals understand the full impact of coercive control and apply the law consistently and effectively. Survivors should not have to fight to be believed. 

Turning law into action 

For this legislative change to have real impact, we must go beyond words on paper. Effective implementation requires: 

• Training for frontline professionals – All professionals – Police officers, social workers, healthcare staff, family lawyers- must receive in-depth training to recognise coercive control and support victims appropriately.  

Our DA Matters programme is transforming police responses by embedding an understanding of coercive control and its links to mental health and suicidality.  

We are also working to ensure that family courts take a trauma-informed approach through our Domestic Abuse Training for Family Lawyers, equipping legal professionals with the knowledge they need to handle cases with the seriousness they deserve Programmes like these must be prioritised and expanded. 

• Consistent enforcement – The law must be applied robustly and fairly across all cases. We have seen too many examples where victims are disbelieved, or cases collapse due to a lack of understanding of coercive control dynamics. Courts, prosecutors, and the wider justice system must take an evidence-led approach that does not rely solely on physical violence to prove harm. 

• Adequate resources – Statutory services must be properly funded to respond effectively. Without dedicated resources, legal changes risk being symbolic rather than transformational. Survivors need timely access to specialist domestic abuse support, including Idvas and wraparound services that help them rebuild their lives. 

A step forward, but the work continues 

Legislative recognition of coercive control as equal to other forms of domestic abuse is long overdue. It is a victory for survivors and campaigners who have fought to have this hidden abuse taken seriously. But legislation alone will not change lives—action, investment, and a shift in cultural understanding must follow. 

SafeLives will continue working alongside professionals, survivors, and policymakers to ensure this law is more than words—to make it a lifeline for those trapped in coercive relationships. Together, we can turn recognition into meaningful protection, justice, and support for every survivor.