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You might have heard the term #coercivecontrol a lot recently, but what does it actually mean? [1/7]
![You might have heard the term #coercivecontrol a lot recently, but what does it actually mean? [1/7]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExGFfxQW8As1iLx.jpg "You might have heard the term #coercivecontrol a lot recently, but what does it actually mean? [1/7]")
Coercive control is a pattern of oppressive behaviour (such as threats, humiliation and intimidation) that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. [2/7]
![Coercive control is a pattern of oppressive behaviour (such as threats, humiliation and intimidation) that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. [2/7]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExGFtmrWYAQ-4BR.jpg "Coercive control is a pattern of oppressive behaviour (such as threats, humiliation and intimidation) that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. [2/7]")
If you are experiencing coercive control you may feel you are 'walking on eggshells' to avoid a negative reaction from that person. [3/7]
![If you are experiencing coercive control you may feel you are 'walking on eggshells' to avoid a negative reaction from that person. [3/7]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExGF1IVWYAEtd0F.jpg "If you are experiencing coercive control you may feel you are 'walking on eggshells' to avoid a negative reaction from that person. [3/7]")
This type of abuse means that they are influencing and changing your behaviour, to gain control of you. [4/7]
![This type of abuse means that they are influencing and changing your behaviour, to gain control of you. [4/7]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExGF5DCXIAc7iVP.jpg "This type of abuse means that they are influencing and changing your behaviour, to gain control of you. [4/7]")
It can be very subtle, and may start off with small things - telling you they don't like a particular outfit, or questioning your food choices i.e. "Should you be eating that?" [5/7]
![It can be very subtle, and may start off with small things - telling you they don't like a particular outfit, or questioning your food choices i.e. "Should you be eating that?" [5/7]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExGF_mbWYAMoi25.jpg "It can be very subtle, and may start off with small things - telling you they don't like a particular outfit, or questioning your food choices i.e. \"Should you be eating that?\" [5/7]")
Often it gets worse as time goes on. The abuser may limit the amount of money you have access to, or cut you off from friends and family. [6/7]
![Often it gets worse as time goes on. The abuser may limit the amount of money you have access to, or cut you off from friends and family. [6/7]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExGGEM-XAAEW2RX.jpg "Often it gets worse as time goes on. The abuser may limit the amount of money you have access to, or cut you off from friends and family. [6/7]")
Coercive control is illegal in its own right in the UK.
If you feel that you are experiencing coercive control, please speak to us on 0808 2800 999.
Find out more on coercive control here:
https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/what-is-domestic-abuse/coercive-control/
If you feel that you are experiencing coercive control, please speak to us on 0808 2800 999.
Find out more on coercive control here:
https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/what-is-domestic-abuse/coercive-control/
