This article is sponsored by Harrogate Family Law.
Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse in which a person attempts to exert an unreasonable, oppressive amount of control over their partner’s life.
Harrogate Family Law are specialists in this area and they are helping a growing number to resolve the difficult situation.
Abuse does not have to be physical or sexual to be an offence. Coercive control can include emotional and psychological abuse and can be very subtle, so is harder to identify.
By its very nature, coercive control can instil confusion and self-doubt in the victim, but Harrogate Family Law can help you be clear about what is taking place and prepare a safe route out of the situation for you and your family.
Andrew Meehan, director of Harrogate Family Law, said:
“We are getting clients from all over the country who are married to a controlling, narcissistic spouse. They have often been controlled financially and emotionally and have been kept in the dark about money. They often don’t have a clear picture of how much things cost and how they can afford to pay for things.
“We can offer advice and help them to move forward with a secure financial future.”
What are the signs of coercive control?
There are clear indications that the relationship you are in has spiralled towards coercive control, even if you have received no physical harm and the relationship is not necessarily “toxic”.
Coercive control happens when:
- You are isolated from your support system, i.e. family and friends
- Your activity is being monitored all day everyday – known as invasive surveillance
- Your freedom and autonomy is being denied – such as access to money or health and body freedom
- You are subjected to name-calling, shaming or criticism
- Your children are being turned against you, known as parental alienation
- You are subjected to jealous accusations
Mr Meehan has offered his three top tips on what to do if you think you are a victim of coercive control.
You are not alone
“There are a lot of people in the same situation. They are often conditioned to think there is no way out for them and they are effectively trapped.
“But their situation is something we see a lot of and something we can sort out for them. The situation is not hopeless.”
Get legal advice early
“We have a niche in dealing with people who have been controlled by spouses or those who are married to a narcissist. We have got clients from all over the country and overseas looking for our expertise.
“Speak to a solicitor who understands how to deal with these kinds of people.”
Everyone’s situation is different
“Try to come to your first meeting as prepared as possible so that the advice we give can be as tailored to your circumstances as much as possible.
“This is difficult if your finances are being controlled. However, have a think about what you do know and we can take things from there. We can then be prepared to deal with what is most important to you.”
