Statutory guidance

Controlling or coercive behaviour: statutory guidance framework

Information on controlling or coercive behaviour, to assist in identifying, evidencing, charging, prosecuting and convicting the offence.

Applies to England and Wales

Documents

Controlling or coercive behaviour: statutory guidance framework

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Ymddygiad sy'n Rheoli neu'n Gorfodi: Fframwaith Canllawiau Statudol

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Controlling or coercive behaviour: statutory guidance framework (Easy Read)

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If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alternativeformats@homeoffice.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

This statutory guidance is issued under section 77 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 (the 2015 Act). Any persons or agency investigating offences in relation to controlling or coercive behaviour under section 76 of the 2015 Act must have regard to it.

It also provides information on:

  • supporting the victim and their family, and reducing the risk of harm to them
  • managing the perpetrator

It’s primarily aimed at statutory and non-statutory bodies working with victims, perpetrators and commissioning services, including:

  • the police
  • criminal justice agencies
  • other agencies

British Sign Language users

You can view or download the controlling or coercive behaviour: statutory guidance framework in British Sign Language.

We are aware this publication may have accessibility issues. We are reviewing it so that we can fix these. Read more about our accessible documents policy.

Updates to this page

Published 5 April 2023
Last updated 27 July 2023 + show all updates
  1. We have added a Welsh translation, an Easy Read version and British Sign Language videos.

  2. Added accessible HTML version.

  3. First published.

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