If you have been charged with controlling and coercive behaviour, it is vital that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. We will guide you through the process, advise you on your options and provide you with expert representation.

Free Initial Telephone Options Appointment 

We provide a free initial telephone options appointment to see how we can assist in your circumstances. Please call 0330 333 2613 for a no obligation, initial discussion or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk and we will call you back.

What is meant by the term controlling and coercive behaviour?

The CPS defines coercive behaviour as:

“An act/pattern of acts including assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other forms abuse used to harm, punish, and frighten the complainant.

Controlling behaviour is an array of acts considered to make an individual feel subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from support, abusing resources and capacities for personal gain, taking their independence, and regulating daily behaviour.”

What is considered to be controlling and coercive behaviour?

Controlling and coercive behaviour encompasses a range of actions that can include but aren’t limited to:

• Isolating a person from their friends and family.
• Monitoring a person’s activity throughout the day (including any use of spyware or online monitoring).
• Taking control of a person’s finances.
• Taking control over aspects of a person’s day to day life (e.g. where they can go, who they can see).
• Depriving a person of access to support services (including medical or specialist support services).
• Forcing someone to take part in criminal activity.
• Repeatedly putting a person down or belittling them (e.g. telling them they are worthless).
• Humiliating, degrading or dehumanising someone.
• Threatening to disclose personal details to others.
• Threats to harm.
• Assault.
• Rape.

Controlling and coercive behaviour as an offence under the Serious Crime Act 2015

Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 was introduced to create a new offence of controlling or coercive behaviour within an intimate or family relationship. The aim of this is to place responsibility and accountability solely on the perpetrator of the behaviours.

An offence committed when:

• The perpetrator has repeatedly or continuously engaged in controlling or coercive behaviours towards another person.
• There is a personal connection with the victim (e.g. they in an intimate relationship, have previously been in an intimate relationship, or are members of the same family).
• The perpetrator has engaged in behaviour that has had a serious effect upon the victim.
• The perpetrator is aware or ought to have been aware that their behaviour would have a serious effect on the victim.

What should I do if I am charged with controlling and coercive behaviour?

Coming into conflict with the criminal justice system is understandably a confusing and distressing time. Our expert team will obtain from the Crown Prosecution Service the details of the case being brought against you in advance of the first hearing, and advise you on whether or not you have a credible defence to the charges that you face.

How we can help

At Elliot Mather, our dedicated Criminal Defence team offer friendly and professional advice with continuity of representation throughout your case.

The level of help you would like from us is entirely up to you. Our team members are all experienced in advising individuals on their specific circumstances

Location 

Our Solicitors are able to provide expert advice across the country with a network of offices based in: Chesterfield, Nottingham, Mansfield and Derby.

How to get in contact 

Our team are on hand to help you and can assist wherever you are based. Please call us for a no-obligation, initial discussion on 0330 333 2613 or email enquiries@elliotmather.co.uk  and we will call or email you back.

How to make contact out of hours 

We have emergency contact numbers for individuals who require police station representation outside of our office hours.

If you require assistance from one of our criminal defence solicitors when out of our normal office hours, it is vital that you call us on:

• Chesterfield: 07717802850
• Derby: 07776240152
• Mansfield: 07741592301
• Nottinghamshire: 07741592301
• 
  

Elliot Mather LLP is a Limited Liability Partnership, registered in England and Wales under registration number 462052

Our services are regulated by the Solicitor Regulation Authority

• Criminal