Methods for identification of coercive control in patients: a scoping review

A scoping review to discover if there are ways to identify coercive control happening to patients and how they can be supported if it is identified.

Background

Coercive control (CC) is a pattern of behaviour in a relationship that seeks to exert control by one person on another, it can be the start of violent abuse or may continue for years with no violence. It is present in cases of domestic homicide and post-separation abuse or stalking.

Even without these serious consequences, coercive control has long-term impacts on the health of victims including long-term health conditions, worse mental health outcomes and a propensity to use unhealthy coping mechanisms (for example substance misuse).

Children are recognised as separate victims of coercive control; they may suffer mental health consequences and the victim’s ability to parent them may be impaired.

When coercive control exists in the absence of violence it can be difficult to identify; victims may not know what they are experiencing and so may be unable to seek help.

Method

This project is a scoping review to consider what is known about the identification of coercive control and what interventions can be used to support victims and their children following identification.

Impact

The review findings will inform further research to help healthcare practitioners, including midwives, health visitors, and sexual health nurses, identify coercive control.