AM welcomes campaign to help people identify coercive control in relationships

NEWS UPDATE

AM welcomes campaign to help people identify coercive control in relationships

Lee Waters AM has backed a powerful Welsh Government campaign to help people identify controlling behaviour in relationships. The Welsh Government today launched a new video  promoting This is Not Love. #ThisIsControl”, Live Fear Free Campaign https://beta.gov.wales/this-is-control

Lee Waters AM is also seeking to ensure that people are aware of the resources available to help them if they are in need, including the Live Fear Free Helpline, available 24 hours a day via a confidential, freephone number that does not appear on phone bills (0808 8010 800).

Coercive control is when a person with whom you are personally connected with, repeatedly behaves in a way which makes you feel controlled, dependent, isolated, humiliated or scared.

The following types of behaviour are common examples of coercive control:

• isolating you from your friends and family
• controlling how much money you have and how you spend it
• repeatedly putting you down, calling you names or telling you that you are worthless
• monitoring your activities and your movements
• threatening to harm or kill you or your child
• threatening to publish information about you or to report you to the police or the authorities
• damaging your property or household goods
• forcing you to take part in criminal activity or child abuse
• isolating you from sources of support 

Lee Waters AM said: “Controlling behaviour is a form of abuse. These behaviours, such as isolating someone from their family or friends, are often very subtle and can be hard to identify – especially in the early stages of a relationship. If you see the signs, seek help.

“Coercive control is a criminal offence. If you, a family member or a friend, are in a controlling relationship, you can contact the Live Fear Free Helpline for 24 hour free advice and support on 0808 8010 800. The service is open to everyone.

“I strongly welcome this initiative from the Welsh Government and I know it can help improve people’s lives. Everyone has the right to live without fear of domestic violence, abuse and coercive control.”