Getting help with coercive control

James Maguire, specialist family law solicitor and Cecilia Goodwin, specialist criminal solicitor, discuss how to access help with a situation involving coercive control.

Criminal lawyers often represent people who have been accused of coercive control. If you have been accused it is important to take legal advice as soon as possible. This can be a lengthy and very stressful process and when you are accused it is important that you have a specialist to advise you.

Victims of coercive control are on the rise and the Maguire Family Law survey on coercive control shows that a high percentage of people are living in a coercive situation. If you have the strength it is important to report incidents of coercion to the police. Even if you feel nothing will be done it is important to have these patterns on record.

An Occupation Order can be obtained if you feel that you or your family are at risk or serious risk. This is a court order which will prevent a person from being in a certain radius of you. Other options include Prohibitive Steps Order where there are children involved. Take advice from a specialist family lawyer.

Discussion and education around relationships and behaviours is key to dealing with rising cases of coercive control. The tragic case of Holly Newton is a sad testimony to this.

For any advice around leaving a coercive and controlling relationship take specialist advice from a family and criminal solicitor.