Home Office publishes statutory guidance framework on controlling or coercive behaviour
The statutory guidance framework was issued on 5 April under section 77 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 (SCA).
Any person or agency investigating offences in relation to controlling or coercive behaviour will have to have regard to the guidance. It is aimed at statutory and non-statutory bodies working with victims, perpetrators and commissioning services, including the police, criminal justice agencies and other agencies.
The guidance provides information on controlling or coercive behaviour, to assist in identifying, evidencing, charging, prosecuting and convicting the offence. It also provides information on reducing the risk of harm to and supporting the victim and their family, including how other agencies and support services can assist, and managing the perpetrator.
The guidance notes that it must be read in conjunction with the statutory guidance on domestic abuse published by the Home Office in July 2022.