...What Families Need to Know
For many survivors of domestic abuse, the end of a relationship is not the end of the abuse.
Whilst physical injuries may heal, the psychological impact of coercive and controlling behaviour can continue long after a perpetrator has left the family home. Survivors frequently describe living with anxiety, loss of confidence, isolation, fear and a profound sense that their lives have been fundamentally altered.
A growing national campaign known as "Paris's Law" has recently brought renewed attention to these experiences and raised important questions about how the criminal justice system responds to coercive control.
Understanding Coercive Control
Domestic abuse is not always physical.
According to Women's Aid, coercive control is a pattern of behaviour designed to make a victim dependent by isolating them from support networks, regulating their everyday activities, controlling finances, intimidating them and restricting their independence. Women's Aid describes coercive control as creating "invisible chains" that can affect every aspect of a survivor's life.
Examples may include:
- Monitoring communications or movements
- Isolating a partner from family and friends
- Controlling finances and spending
- Threats, intimidation or humiliation
- Restricting access to healthcare or support services
- Using technology to monitor or control behaviour
Refuge has also highlighted growing concerns around technology-facilitated abuse, where perpetrators use digital devices, tracking tools and online platforms as additional methods of control.
Coercive and controlling behaviour became a criminal offence in England and Wales in 2015, reflecting increasing recognition that abuse is often psychological as well as physical.
The Story Behind Paris's Law
The campaign known as Paris's Law was launched by survivor Paris Shears following her experience of the criminal justice process.
According to the campaign, Paris waited 236 days for a trial involving allegations of controlling and coercive behaviour alongside offences including non-fatal strangulation. She has publicly described the emotional impact of preparing for trial, only for the defendant to change his plea at a late stage. Paris argues that this process left her feeling that aspects of the abuse had not been fully recognised or addressed.
Her campaign calls for changes to sentencing rules in cases involving coercive and controlling behaviour and has attracted significant public support. The related parliamentary petition has exceeded the threshold required for parliamentary consideration.
Whatever view individuals may hold regarding sentencing policy, the campaign has shone a spotlight on an issue many survivors recognise: the emotional toll of lengthy legal proceedings and the feeling that abuse can continue through systems and processes long after a relationship ends.
Why Survivors Often Feel Let Down
For survivors, reporting abuse is rarely a simple decision.
Many spend months or years gathering the courage to speak out. Others fear they will not be believed or worry about the consequences for children, finances or housing.
When criminal proceedings follow, survivors may face:
- Long delays before hearings or trials
- Repeated retelling of traumatic experiences
- Anxiety about giving evidence
- Ongoing contact through family proceedings
- Fear of retaliation or further abuse
Refuge has repeatedly highlighted concerns regarding pressures within the criminal justice system and the need for survivors to receive appropriate support throughout the process.
At the same time, campaigners, charities and legal professionals continue to advocate for greater understanding of coercive control and its long-term impact on victims.
Domestic Abuse and Family Law: A Different Legal Path
Whilst criminal proceedings focus on offences against the law, family law focuses on protection, safety and future arrangements.
Many survivors are unaware that they may have access to legal remedies such as:
- Non-Molestation Orders
- Occupation Orders
- Child Arrangement Orders
- Emergency injunctions
- Financial remedies following separation
These measures can provide practical protection and help survivors regain control over their lives.
Importantly, family courts increasingly recognise the serious impact of coercive and controlling behaviour when considering children's welfare and future arrangements.
Support Is Available
One of the most damaging effects of coercive control is isolation.
Abusers often work systematically to convince victims that nobody will believe them, help them or understand what they are experiencing.
That is why specialist support is so important.
Specialist organisations provide invaluable support for survivors navigating abuse and recovery:
The National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247.
How Susan Howarth & Company Solicitors Can Help
At Susan Howarth & Company Solicitors, we understand that domestic abuse cases require not only legal expertise but also sensitivity, understanding and practical support.
Our Family Law team has extensive experience assisting clients affected by:
- Domestic abuse
- Coercive and controlling behaviour
- Non-molestation applications
- Child arrangements involving allegations of abuse
- Emergency family court applications
- Separation and divorce following abusive relationships
We also hold a contract with the Legal Aid Agency for Family Law matters, meaning legal aid may be available to eligible clients in cases involving domestic abuse.
For many survivors, taking the first step can feel overwhelming. That is why we offer free initial Family Law clinic appointments for all new Family Law clients, providing a confidential opportunity to discuss your circumstances and understand your legal options.
Moving Forward After Abuse
The conversation sparked by Paris's Law is ultimately about more than sentencing policy.
It is about recognising the profound impact coercive control can have on survivors' lives.
It is about ensuring victims feel heard, supported and protected.
And it is about helping those affected by abuse understand that they do not have to face the future alone.
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, coercive control or concerns about your safety or your children's wellbeing, specialist legal advice can make a significant difference.
Contact Susan Howarth & Company Solicitors
Our experienced Family Law team is here to listen, advise and support you.
To arrange a free Family Law clinic appointment*, contact us today on 01606 48777 and take the first step towards a safer and more secure future.
If you are in immediate danger, contact the police on 999.
For confidential domestic abuse support, contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
*For all new Family Law clients.
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice tailored to your circumstances, please seek professional legal guidance.
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