Children’s Social Services became concerned about the children’s presentation and visited Ewa while Piotr was at work. Applications can be made by the police in the magistrates’ courts, or to the family court by the victim, or any other party with the permission of the court. Controlling or coercive behaviour can take place without the presence of any physical or sexual abuse. For example, the family and friends of the victim may be able to give evidence about the effect and/or impact of the perpetrator’s behaviour on the victim, such as isolating the victim from the family. Victims of controlling or coercive behaviour may not be aware of, be ready to acknowledge, or be able to communicate that the abuse they are currently experiencing or have previously experienced, is part of a pattern of controlling or coercive behaviour.

If you are unsure of whether the amendment to the controlling or coercive behaviour offence may apply in a specific case, in the first instance, speak to a specialist domestic abuse police officer. Independent advocates and specialist services can support a victim throughout the criminal justice process (Please also refer to Section 5 – Multi-agency response for more information on supporting the victim).Further examples of evidence can be also found in the section on Investigative Development in the College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice for Domestic Abuse. The police should follow their local protocols and guidance, including risk assessment procedures, and make referrals to specialist support services (see Annex G) including helplines, specialist advocacy and domestic abuse services, and Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) where required. footnote 27] It therefore important that the presence of controlling or coercive behaviour is considered by the police and other authorities when conducting any investigation in relation to domestic abuse. Effective evidence-gathering is crucial to the prosecution case, particularly where the victim decides to withdraw from the case. He said he was embarrassed that he often had to wear second-hand clothes and got bullied at school because of this.

For further information on MARACs, please refer to Chapter 7 of the Domestic Abuse Statutory Guidance. footnote 32] See Table 1 of the CPS Toolkit for Prosecutors on Violence Against Women and Girls Cases Involving Vulnerable Victim on assessing the credibility and understanding perpetrator tactics. When David tried to challenge Harry, Harry threatened to tell David’s friends what he was “really like” if he tried to end their relationship. footnote 72] The National Training Framework places statutory requirements for training across public services and specialist third sector in relation to Violence Against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence in Wales. Police officers should be aware of the impact of trauma when questioning victims and gathering evidence.Using digital systems, such as smart devices or social media, to coerce, control, upset and monitor the victim (e.

footnote 43] When evidence-gathering, officers should support victims to understand what constitutes evidence. In all domestic abuse cases, if firearms are held by the perpetrator or are in the home, the local police Firearms Licensing Team should be notified so that they can consider seizing the firearms or revoking any licence that the perpetrator holds. Police officers can help in ensuring that the overall impact is reflected appropriately by asking the right questions early on.As much evidence as possible must therefore be gathered to show that the behaviour has occurred on two or more occasions, is repetitive or continuous in nature. footnote 55] Previously, prosecutions must have been commenced within six months of the offence but this requirement is now six months from the date the incident is formally reported to the police, with an overall time limit of two years from the offence to bring a prosecution. Perpetrators may attempt to prevent evidence trails, for example, by deleting messages/photographs or coercing victims into sharing their passwords or devices. Current control stands may employ multiple displays and electronic actuation of operational controls from an all-electronic desktop. footnote 66] In considering how best to support the victim and their children, it is vital that agencies work together to manage risk and maximise the opportunity for the victim and their children to rebuild their lives.