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Awareness

Recognising coercive control

Understand the subtle patterns of coercive control and where to find help.

Resource Centre·Article · 5 min read

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour used to dominate and isolate a person. It can be hard to name because it often builds slowly and hides behind care or concern.

Signs to look for

  • Monitoring your movements, messages or spending
  • Isolating you from friends, family or support
  • Controlling what you wear, eat, or where you go
  • Making you feel you're 'walking on eggshells'
  • Undermining your confidence or sense of reality

This is not your fault

Coercive control is a form of abuse and, in the UK, it is a criminal offence. What you're experiencing is real, and support is available — confidentially and without judgement.

If you are in immediate danger call 999. For confidential advice, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is free, 24/7, on 0808 2000 247. ThrivSphere can also walk alongside you and signpost specialist services.

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Work one-to-one with our team to put these tools into practice, at a pace that feels right for you.

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