Domestic Abuse

Coercive and controlling behaviour (CCB) is a particularly insidious form of domestic abuse and I recognise the long-term emotional and psychological distress it can cause victims. We know that more can be done to improve the response to and support for victims of CCB and the steps we are taking are outlined below.

Statutory guidance on CCB has been issued to the police and other agencies. As part of the recently published Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy the government has committed to updating the guidance by the end of 2026. This will reflect the latest policy and practice, as well as new and emerging issues, to improve how agencies respond to CCB victims.

In April 2025, the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection (NCVPP) launched to provide national leadership on VAWG within policing. Backed by £13.9 million funding this year, the Centre will improve the response to violence against women and girls, driving a change in policing attitudes to ensure that officers respond effectively to VAWG crimes, including CCB, and offer victims better support and consistent protection.

As of 3rd February 2025, offenders convicted of controlling or coercive behaviour, and sentenced to 12 months or longer, are now automatically managed under Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA). Recognising the significant harm this kind of offending can cause by putting controlling or coercive behaviour on par with other forms of domestic abuse, giving greater protection to victims of CCB.

Domestic Abuse Protection Orders (DAPOs) were launched in selected police forces and courts in November 2024, and for the first time, victims of all forms of domestic abuse including coercive and controlling behaviour and economic abuse are being protected through DAPOs. In the VAWG strategy, the government has committed to rollout DAPOs nationally across England and Wales.