Coercive control describes a range of behaviours that allow someone to gain or keep control of a partner, ex-partner or family member. The Act definitions that the parties, are currently or previously in an intimate relationship, or related by family ties. Some examples include:
Isolation: limiting contact withfriends and family by restricting contact or making relationships difficult. This maybe telling lies to turn people against you, restricting access to phone or social media, or making threats to harm people or pets to gain compliance. They may make jealous accusations that make their victim feel unable to maintain friendships and contact with others
Monitoring daily activities: This can be restricting where you go, who you talk to, or may include use of surveillance technology such as cameras, listening devices and location trackers to control movements and activities.
Restricting freedom and choices: Someone exerting coercive control might try to control your freedom of movement and independence. This might include not allowing you to go to work or engage in education, restricting your access to transport, taking your phone, changing your passwords, or limiting access to money or restricting access to healthcare or medication including contraception or support aids.
Gaslighting: Forcing another person to accept their version of reality even when it is not true, leading to a distorted sense of reality.