Controlling or Coercive Behaviour

Serious Crime Act 2015 - Controlling or Coercive Behaviour in an Intimate or Family Relationship

Section 76 of the Act states that an offence is committed by someone who repeatedly or continuously engages

behaviour which occurs repeatedly or continually towards another person (who they are personally connected to) using controlling or coercive behaviour that is intended to have a “serious effect” on them. The law defines “personally connected” as having, or previously had an intimate relationship, family member or persons living together. The law defines “serious effect” as causing fear through the threat of violence (on at least two occasions) or if the other persons actions have a substantial adverse effect on their day-to-day activities, such as:-

• Stopping or changing the way someone socialises, or who they are allowed to socialise with;
• General physical or mental health deterioration (constant criticism etc);
• Not allowing them out of the house without permission;
• Controlling bank accounts and access to cash and so on.
• Putting in place measures at home to safeguard themselves or their children
• Changes to work patterns, employment status or routes to work

 

Should the matter be proven then a restraining order may be a way to protect yourself from future abuse from this person, we would be delighted to work with the Police to ensure your safety through such provision.

 

 

How we can help

Lestons can represent parties at the conference and put forward their argument that the child is better off not being taken into care, our staff would not have the emotional element and as such will be able to put forward a more succinct and prepared argument. If needed we can obtain specialist third-party testaments to help support our clients wishes, these will be discussed if requested.

 

To gain our assistance you need to open a case, this is done by taking advantage of our free consultation service, activated by the link at the top of the page, should you wish to start a case the caseworker will send you the suitable payment link.

 

Please note your caseworker can only give generic advice, their role is to prepare your details for handling by our legal team and to act as your point of contact, they will also issue you with your Password and PIN, these will be needed to log onto your client dashboard. From your dashboard you will be able to manage and view every aspect of your case, upload documents, images, files etc.