Coercive Control - Advice to victims

On this month’s programme we spoke to a victim of coercive control who spoke of her experience in the hope that it will assist other victims.

Detective Superintendent Sinéad Greene was in studio to explain how coercive control is a persistent pattern of controlling, coercive and threatening behaviour that includes all forms of domestic abuse (emotional, physical, financial and sexual) by a partner or ex-partner. It traps the victim in the relationship and makes it very difficult for them to leave.

This can have a serious impact including fear of violence, cause serious distress and can result in the victim giving up work, changing their daily routines or losing contact with their family and friends.

The woman we spoke to explained how her partner lured her into a false sense of security before becoming controlling of her life and behaviour. He did this by changing their home location, taking control of her finances and limiting her time spent with friends and family. Those engaging in coercive control behaviour often aim to lower the victim’s self-esteem in order to dissuade them from leaving the relationship or seeking help.

Since the introduction of the coercive control legislation in 2019, Gardaí are reporting an increase in victims reporting this type of abuse.

Advice:

• - Gardaí would like to reassure viewers that anyone who comes forward to report an incident of coercive control will be treated with the appropriate sensitivity.
• - If anyone believes that a friend or family member may be a victim of coercive control please come forward and report your concerns to the Gardaí.
• - If anyone is concerned about themselves or someone else and they do not wish to make a report to the Gardaí they can instead contact one of the many great domestic abuse services throughout the country.
• - For any emergency cases please dial 999/112 for assistance.

Supt Greene also made reference to Go Purple Day which takes place on Friday April 28th.  An Garda Síochána has partnered with Men’s Aid and Safe Ireland to mark ’Go Purple Day’ and help raise awareness about domestic abuse and the local domestic abuse support services available to those affected in Ireland.

Members of the public as well as Garda personnel nationwide were encouraged to show their support by simply wearing, drawing or baking something purple. The most important thing is to help spread the word about this important issue.