It’s February 14, the time when love is all around and cards, gifts and messages of affection are exchanged by couples in the UK and countries around the world.

But while for most people Valentine’s is a time for giving and receiving tokens of affection, there are those who will be on the receiving end of totally unacceptable behaviour by their partner, on February 14 and lots of other days of the year.

The signs of love are easy to spot, as are some of the signs of abuse, but there are those that may not be so obvious.

Since 2015, what is called “coercive control” has been recognised in law as domestic abuse. It is a criminal offence.

Coercive control is when a person uses threats, humiliation and intimidation to harm or frighten their partner.

This controlling behaviour is designed to prevent the person affected from getting support, to take away their independence and impact on their everyday behaviour.

Typical examples include checking the person’s emails, texts or social media posts and contacts, telling them they’re crazy, threatening them that their children will be taken off them, and preventing them from seeing their family and friends.

 

It can be hard to realise that the way you are being treated is abusive, and sometimes it takes a “nudge” from a friend or contact to make you think about it.

 

If you think you or a friend might be being subjected to coercive control, why not have a chat with someone who can offer a sympathetic ear and, if you want it, some sound advice.

 

Contact NIDAS using 01623 683 250 or email [email protected]

#Ashfieldsaferstreets #coercivecontrol