Domestic Abuse

Controlling or Coercive Behaviour prosecutions have increased from 3,999 in 2023/24 to 5,374 in 2024/25, and 3,293 in the first half of 2025/26. However, we are aware that this offence is still under identified in how frontline police triage domestic abuse reports in comparison to physical abuse.

To address this, we will update the Controlling or Coercive Behaviour Statutory Guidance by the end of 2026, to strengthen the understanding of the offence and to support frontline professionals to identify, investigate and prosecute. Furthermore, the Crown Prosecution Service has updated its guidance to help prosecutors select the most appropriate charge where offences overlap and it is clear that when there is evidence of specific incidents, such as sexual offences, violent offences or strangulation or suffocation, Controlling or Coercive Behaviour should usually be charged along with other offences.

We have established the National Centre for VAWG and Public Protection., 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 Controlling or Coercive Behaviour. 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. Putting Controlling or Coercive Behaviour on par with other forms of domestic abuse and giving greater protection to victims.