A multi-agency response is critical to identifying and supporting victims and their families at an early stage and responding to the perpetrator. The Extraction of Information powers in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 (the 2022 Act) will ensure there is a consistent approach to requesting information from phones and other electronic devices. Controlling or coercive behaviour shares general elements with other capture or course of conduct crimes such as stalking and harassment, including that the conduct is ongoing and perpetrators will use various means to hurt, humiliate, intimidate, exploit, isolate and dominate their victims.

Multi-agency working enables professionals to get a better understanding of all the risks to, and needs of, the victims, including children and young people. One key feature of the new Lifestyle range is compatibility with the new wireless Bosch EasyControl. Police have a duty to protect children from harm and in all investigations the principle that the welfare of the child is paramount should be observed.

Clear guidance for authorised persons on the use of the powers is provided in a new statutory code of practice. Officers should accurately record any relevant information over an extended period of time, as those perpetrating abuse can continue the abuse for years, including after separation. Victims of controlling or coercive behaviour may not be aware of, be ready to acknowledge, or be able to communicate that the abuse they are currently experiencing, or have previously experienced, is part of a pattern of controlling or coercive behaviour. Making and enforcing rules and regulations that the victim is expected to follow and using punishments to make them comply e.

This is included as part of the College of Policing’s risk assessment tool, the Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment (DARA), which is designed to make it easier for officers to identify controlling or coercive behaviour. For example, Operation Encompass is an innovative scheme that facilitates schools and police working together to provide emotional and practical support to children affected by domestic abuse.

This means that whilst there may not be enough evidence to charge the offence when initially reported, as time goes on and the behaviour continues, more evidence can be gathered. We recognise both terms, but in this document, we have used the language of the 2021 Act, which is ‘victim’.

David felt completely controlled by Harry and when he disagreed with him, Harry would become violent and further threaten his relationships with friends and family.Specialist domestic abuse services’ primary aim is to support the victim with emotional and practical support identified based on individual risks and needs.

Whilst some perpetrators do not recognise that their behaviour constitutes domestic abuse, all perpetrators are responsible for their behaviour and should be held accountable. Coercive control creates invisible chains and a sense of fear that pervades all elements of a victim’s life. There is never any justification for perpetrating domestic abuse and although the perpetrator and others may blame the victim for their behaviour, it is never the victim’s fault. Positive requirements would require P to take an action such as attend a behaviour change programme.Victims may face major barriers when leaving a relationship with a perpetrator, or not want to leave at that time. David started spending more time with this new group of friends and regularly went out clubbing with them.