Coercive Control and the Challenge of Institutional Recognition

Introduction

Coercive control is increasingly recognised as a central component of domestic abuse.

However, identifying coercive control within institutional systems can be challenging.

Unlike physical violence, coercive control often involves patterns of behaviour that may be difficult to document or recognise across institutional environments.

Institutional Recognition Challenges

Safeguarding institutions may face several challenges when responding to coercive control.

These include:

• evidential complexity
• fragmented information across agencies
• differing institutional perspectives on abuse dynamics

Governance Implications

Strengthening institutional recognition of coercive control may require:

• improved safeguarding awareness
• stronger cross-agency communication
• governance frameworks that support institutional coordination.

© 2026 Samantha Avril-Andreassen. All rights reserved.