The Silent Forms of Domestic Abuse: Coercive Control and Financial Abuse

Domestic abuse is not always visible. While physical violence is often the most recognised form of abuse, many victims experience patterns of control that are psychological, economic, or social in nature. These forms of abuse can be equally harmful and are often more difficult for victims, professionals, and institutions to identify.

These patterns are frequently described as “silent abuse” because they operate through manipulation, restriction, and fear rather than physical force.

Coercive Control

One of the most significant developments in the legal recognition of domestic abuse in the United Kingdom was the criminalisation of coercive and controlling behaviour under the Serious Crime Act 2015.

Coercive control refers to a pattern of behaviour designed to dominate another person and restrict their freedom. It can involve a combination of tactics that gradually erode a person’s autonomy and independence.

Examples of coercive control may include:

• monitoring a partner’s movements or communications

• isolating them from friends, family, or support networks

• controlling how they spend money

• restricting access to work or education

• dictating what they wear, who they see, or where they go

• repeatedly humiliating or degrading them

• threatening harm to them, their children, or pets.

Unlike isolated incidents of violence, coercive control often unfolds gradually over time. Victims may not initially recognise the behaviour as abuse because it can be disguised as concern, protection, or financial management.

However, the cumulative impact can be profound. Victims frequently describe feeling as though their freedom, identity, and decision-making ability have been systematically stripped away.

Financial Abuse

Financial abuse is another form of silent control that can trap victims in abusive relationships.

Financial abuse occurs when one person uses money or economic resources as a means of power and control over another. It can include:

• preventing someone from working or earning income

• forcing a partner to account for every purchase

• restricting access to bank accounts or savings

• taking wages or benefits

• creating debt in the victim’s name

• refusing to contribute to household expenses

• hiding financial assets.

Financial abuse is particularly damaging because it can limit a victim’s ability to leave the relationship safely. Without access to funds, housing, or employment, victims may feel they have no viable route to independence.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 explicitly recognises economic abuse as a form of domestic abuse under UK law.

Psychological and Emotional Manipulation

Silent abuse also frequently involves psychological manipulation. Abusers may use tactics such as:

• gaslighting (causing the victim to question their perception of reality)

• persistent criticism or humiliation

• blame shifting and denial of abusive behaviour

• threats of self-harm to manipulate compliance

• using children as leverage or tools of control.

These behaviours can significantly affect mental health. Victims may experience:

• anxiety

• depression

• chronic stress

• loss of confidence

• trauma-related symptoms.

Over time, victims may begin to doubt their own judgement or feel incapable of making decisions independently.

Why Silent Abuse Is Difficult to Detect

Silent forms of abuse present significant challenges for safeguarding systems because they often leave few visible signs.

Professionals may struggle to identify coercive control or financial abuse if they are trained primarily to look for physical injury.

Victims may also hesitate to disclose these forms of abuse because they fear they will not be believed or that their experiences will be minimised.

For this reason, increased awareness and professional training are essential. Healthcare workers, educators, social workers, and law enforcement officers must be equipped to recognise patterns of behaviour rather than focusing only on isolated incidents.

The Role of Safeguarding Systems

Effective safeguarding systems must recognise that domestic abuse can occur through patterns of control rather than acts of violence alone.

Professionals should be alert to indicators such as:

• a partner insisting on speaking on behalf of the victim

• restricted access to money or personal identification

• social isolation

• visible anxiety when discussing a partner

• unexplained financial difficulties

• repeated cancellations of appointments due to partner interference.

By recognising these signs, safeguarding professionals can intervene earlier and provide support before abuse escalates further.

Key Message

Domestic abuse is not defined only by physical violence.

Many victims experience abuse that is psychological, economic, and controlling in nature. These silent forms of abuse can profoundly damage a person’s independence, safety, and wellbeing.

Recognising these patterns is essential to ensuring victims receive the protection and support they deserve.

© 2026 Samantha Avril-Andreassen. All rights reserved.
SAFECHAIN™ is a conceptual safeguarding infrastructure and policy framework authored by Samantha Avril-Andreassen. Reproduction or implementation of this framework without permission is prohibited.
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