How to Prove Coercive Control in the UK

This article explains how coercive control may be proved in family law proceedings in England and Wales, including the types of evidence that can help show a pattern of controlling, threatening or abusive behaviour. It is intended for anyone who is experiencing coercive control, or supporting someone who may need legal protection following separation, divorce or child arrangements disputes.

Proving coercive control means showing a pattern of behaviour, not one incident

Coercive control is an offence where one person uses ongoing threats, intimidation, and manipulative tactics to dominate another. It’s recognised as a crime under the Serious Crime Act 2015, and it can also affect family law proceedings, such as when you’re sorting out finances or making child arrangements during a divorce.

However, proving coercive control can be tricky because it often involves emotional and psychological abuse rather than overt violence. This article explains how to prove coercive control in the UK, why proof matters, what types of evidence you can gather, and how it might be used in family courts. For a general overview on controlling and coercive behaviour and how it impacts a divorce, see our article What Is Controlling and Coercive Behaviour and How Does It Impact Divorce Proceedings? Coercive control often overlaps with high-conflict separations, so you may also find our guide on divorcing a narcissist helpful.

Why You Need to Prove Coercive Control

Knowing how to prove coercive control is important because it can shape the outcome of both criminal charges and family court decisions. In a criminal context, if you report the abuse to the police, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) must show that the offence was committed beyond reasonable doubt—which means you’ll need strong, consistent evidence for a conviction.

Coercive control also impacts family law proceedings, such as when you’re dividing marital property or arranging your children’s living and contact schedules. While you don’t have to prove fault to end the marriage thanks to the new no-fault divorce law, evidence of coercive control can still be relevant if it reveals a long-term pattern of emotional, financial, or psychological manipulation.

It may influence how assets are split, but only if the court considers the conduct is inequitable to disregard (for example if a coercively controlling partner restricted your ability to earn income). Proving coercive control can also shape decisions about child arrangements (for instance, limiting contact if the abuser poses a risk to safety and wellbeing). Having evidence can also protect you and your children by helping you get protective orders—like non-molestation orders or occupation orders—that restrict the abuser’s ability to keep intimidating or harassing you.

Types of Proof of Coercive Control the Courts Might Look For

Coercive control can be subtle and long-term, rather than a single incident. Both criminal and family courts will often review a “wider pattern of behaviour” rather than a single outburst. Here are some common forms of evidence:

• Text messages and emails
• Bank statements
• Medical or counselling reports
• Police or CCTV footage
• Witness statements
• Phone recordings

Keep in mind that coercive control may involve advanced technology (like spyware on your phone, “smart home” gadgets used to track you, or controlling posts on social media). If you suspect any of this, raise it with your solicitor or the police.

How to Gather Evidence to Prove Coercive Control

Gathering evidence to prove coercive control can feel overwhelming, but each piece you collect helps build the bigger picture of repeated abuse. Here’s how you can start:

Keep a Diary or Log

Writing down incidents as soon as they happen can paint a fuller picture of how often and in what ways the abuse occurs. Jot down dates, times, places, and who else (if anyone) was present. Detail any remarks or threats, plus any documents or screenshots that back up your account.

Store Digital and Financial Records

If the abuser sends you threats via text or a messaging app, tries to control your bank accounts or forces you to take out loans, keep and organise this information. Examples include:

• Text Messages and Emails: Threatening or controlling language can show a pattern over time. Save and backup any messages that use abusive language or show your partner attempting to control or restrict you.
• Bank Statements: You can use these to show suspicious or unauthorised financial activity—like your partner moving money out of your account without permission, making unusual withdrawals, or secretly opening new accounts in your name.
• Social Media Posts: You can take screenshots of abusive comments, harassing messages, or attempts to track you online.
  Save these records in a secure place—maybe emailing copies to yourself or store them on a password-protected cloud service.

Gather Witness Statements

Friends, relatives, neighbours, or co-workers might have observed confrontations or noticed changes in your behaviour (like withdrawing from social events). Ask if they’re willing to write down what they saw or heard. Even short statements can show a pattern of ongoing control or intimidation.

Photograph or Document Property Damage

Coercive control isn’t always physical, but if the abuser has broken items in rage or damaged property to scare you, take pictures. Keep a note of the date, and if possible, file any relevant receipts (for repairs or replacements). These details help confirm a pattern of aggression or intimidation.

Seek Professional Support

If you visit a GP, therapist, or counsellor, they may have notes that link your mental health struggles—like anxiety or depression—to the abusive environment at home. In some cases, these notes or letters can help confirm the abuse’s emotional or psychological impact. If cost is a concern, you may be eligible for legal aid for domestic abuse, which can help cover the cost of legal advice and representation.

Presenting Your Evidence in Court

In family law matters, a judge might schedule a fact-finding hearing if coercive control is alleged. The standard of proof here is on the balance of probabilities—the judge decides if it’s more likely than not that allegations are true. If your evidence shows a sustained pattern of controlling acts, the judge could limit the abuser’s contact with the children, order supervised visits, or factor your economic disadvantage (caused by the abuse) into financial decisions. Where that control continues after separation, our guide to co-parenting with a narcissist sets out the orders that can help.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re concerned about how to prove coercive control, then it’s important to seek professional legal advice. Building such a case can feel overwhelming, but at Tyrer Roxburgh Solicitors, our skilled and compassionate family team can guide you in collecting and presenting your evidence effectively. Contact us today on 0208 899 3319 or via one of the options below to explore how we can help you move towards greater safety and justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you prove coercive control in the UK?

Coercive control is usually proved by showing a repeated pattern of controlling, isolating, threatening or abusive behaviour and the impact it has had on the victim. Evidence can include messages, emails, call logs, financial records, medical records, police reports, witness statements, photographs, diary notes and examples of restrictions placed on everyday life. In family court proceedings, the court will look at the overall pattern of behaviour rather than one isolated incident. It can help to keep a clear timeline of events, record dates where possible, preserve digital evidence safely, and seek legal advice before taking any steps that could put you at further risk. If there is immediate danger, the priority should be personal safety and contacting the police.

What is coercive control?

Coercive control is a pattern of repeated or continuous behaviour used by one person to dominate, isolate, frighten or undermine another. It can include emotional, psychological, financial and social abuse rather than only physical violence. Examples include restricting someone’s freedom, controlling their finances, isolating them from friends and family, monitoring their movements, and using threats or intimidation. It is recognised as a serious form of domestic abuse in England and Wales.

What evidence is needed to prove coercive control?

There is no single piece of evidence that proves coercive control. Instead, the courts look at a range of material that together shows a pattern of behaviour over time. This can include text messages, emails and call logs, bank and financial records, medical or counselling notes, police reports, witness statements, photographs, and a personal diary of incidents with dates and details. Preserving this evidence safely and securely, and taking legal advice on how to present it, can make a significant difference.

Is coercive control a criminal offence in the UK?

Yes. Coercive or controlling behaviour in an intimate or family relationship is a criminal offence under Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015. A person found guilty can face a fine or a prison sentence of up to five years. Coercive control can also be relevant in civil and family proceedings, where it may support applications for protective orders such as non-molestation orders and can be taken into account in decisions about finances and child arrangements.

How does coercive control affect divorce and child arrangements?

Although divorce in England and Wales is now no-fault, evidence of coercive control can still be relevant to financial settlements and child arrangements. The court may take controlling behaviour into account where it has caused one party a financial disadvantage, or where it affects the safety and wellbeing of a child. In some cases the court will hold a fact-finding hearing and, if coercive control is established, may order supervised contact, limit contact, or make other decisions to protect the child’s welfare.