Coercive control: PSNI charges over 170 people with new offence since domestic abuse law came into force in February

The PSNI says it is receiving over 100 reports per month of coercive control since new laws came into force.

The figures form part of the PSNI’s Domestic Abuse messaging throughout National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The aim is to raise awareness that Domestic Abuse is not just physical, encourage reporting and signpost victims to support available to them.

Coercive control, which is punishable by up to 14 year’s imprisonment, has been a criminal offence since new legislation within the Domestic Abuse and Civil Proceedings Act (Northern Ireland) 2021, came into force in February this year.

To date the PSNI has arrested and charged more than 170 perpetrators of this domestic abuse offence.

Police say that abusers are now being punished in Northern Ireland for subjecting a partner or family member to controlling behaviour such as isolating them, exploiting them financially, depriving them of basic needs and humiliating, frightening or threatening them.

Police know that these behaviours often escalate and they are concerned there may still be people out there who don’t understand that how they are being treated at home is domestic abuse, a crime.

Detective Superintendent Lindsay Fisher said: “Statistics suggest that it takes, on average, 35 incidents before a victim will come forward and report to Police. So, we know there are so many people out there who are suffering in silence.

“We will continue to raise awareness of all forms of domestic abuse and encourage reporting. Abusers in these cases are so incredibly manipulative, making their victims believe that what is happening to them is somehow their fault.

“We want to make it clear that domestic abuse, in any form, is never the victim’s fault.

“Not all abuse is physical. Just because a person is not covered in bruises doesn’t mean they’re not being abused.

“If you’re walking on eggshells, or have no control over your own life – this is also abuse and we can help you.”

Domestic abuse can often be hidden in plain sight so the Police are issuing, throughout this month, signs to spot and empowering friends and family of those who may be being abused to report.

Domestic abuse includes threatening, controlling, coercive behaviour, violence or abuse inflicted on anyone by a partner, ex-partner or family member. It can take many different forms, including:

:: Psychological

:: Virtual

:: Physical

:: Verbal

:: Sexual

:: Financial

:: Emotional

Domestic abuse is not just physical, the PSNI says. Some of the signs you can look out for include:

:: Their partner puts them down in front of other people

:: They are constantly worried about making their partner angry

:: They make excuses for their partner’s behaviour

:: Their partner is extremely jealous or possessive

:: They have unexplained marks or injuries

:: They’ve stopped spending time with friends and family

:: They are depressed or anxious, or you notice changes in their personality

Police also advise neighbours to notice:

:: Threatening and intimidating arguments, which may involve violent language or escalate to smashing up the furniture.

:: Arguments where the partner blames the other for their actions, saying they are “asking for it” or deserve the abuse.

:: Individuals with bruising or other visible marks, which may have been caused by physical abuse.

The PSNI is asking witnesses to report to them by calling 101, or in an emergency call 999. If you’re calling 999 for help, but too afraid to speak, dial 55 on your mobile phone when calling in an emergency and the operator will know that you need to be put through to police.

A 24-hour Domestic and Sexual Abuse Helpline is also available to anyone who has concerns about domestic or sexual abuse, now or in the past. The number to call is 0808 802 1414.

The public can find further information, including the warning signs of Domestic Abuse here: https://www.psni.police.uk/crime/domestic-abuse/