VICTIMS of coercive control are not getting the justice they deserve says Women's Aid, as figures reveal hundreds of allegations never make it to court.

December marked the sixth anniversary of landmark legislation introduced to make coercive or controlling behaviour a criminal offence in England and Wales.

But only a "small minority of survivors" who experience such abuse will see justice done, says Women's Aid.

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Data published by the Office for National Statistics for the period of 2020-21 shows Durham Constabulary logged 336 allegations of coercive or controlling behaviour.

The previous year there were 335 – and different figures suggest most cases will never reach a courtroom.

Of the 299 cases closed by the force in Durham during 2020-21, 91 per cent were abandoned due to difficulties gathering evidence.

Just 19 ended with a suspect being charged or summonsed to court.

In the same period, Cleveland Police logged 321 allegations of coercive or controlling behaviour, up from 250 the previous year.

Of the 280 cases closed, 91 per cent were abandoned, while just 18 ended with a suspect being charged or summonsed to court.

In North Yorkshire, police received 558 allegations, an increase of 77 on the previous year.

Of the 377 cases closed, 92 per cent were abandoned and just 12 ended in a charge or court summons.

Women's Aid described coercive control, which is punishable by up to five years imprisonment, as a problem "at the heart of almost all domestic abuse".

Abusers can be jailed for subjecting a partner or family member to controlling behaviour such as isolating them, exploiting them financially, depriving them of basic needs, humiliating, frightening or threatening them.

During the first year of the pandemic, 34,000 allegations were reported to forces across England and Wales, with the number of recorded crimes rising by more than a third compared to around 25,000 in 2019-20, though data for that year excludes Greater Manchester Police.

Home Office figures show more than nine in ten investigations closed nationally in 2020-21 were dropped due to evidential difficulties, while just four per cent resulted in a charge or summons being issued.

Isabelle Younane of Women's Aid, said it is vital all police officers and prosecutors understand the nature and "damaging, lifelong impact" of coercive control.

She added: “Survivors need, and deserve, a consistent response to their experiences of abuse.

"It is a matter of urgency for the Government to invest in multi-agency and partnership working across services."

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A spokesman for the National Police Chiefs' Council said the response to the complex problem had improved in recent years but acknowledged the need for better understanding across the justice system.

A Home Office spokeswoman said the Government is acting to tackle the "particularly insidious" form of abuse and will publish its Domestic Abuse Strategy this year.

She said the increase in reporting such crimes shows improvements the police have made, with victims more willing to come forward."

 

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