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Coercive control law a “welcome step” to ending suffering of domestic abuse victims, says Citizens Advice

5 December 2015

Citizens Advice has said today that victims of domestic abuse should feel the law is on their side and has highlighted the importance of people being able to recognise abuse. The national charity has welcomed the coercive control offence that will come into effect later this month, as well as new efforts being made by the Government to tackle domestic abuse.

Gillian Guy, chief executive of Citizens Advice, said:

“All victims of domestic abuse should feel the law is on their side. The new offence of coercive and controlling behaviour is a very welcome step to ending the suffering of people whose abusive partners have inflicted emotional cruelty or financial ruin.

“Citizens Advice helps thousands of victims of domestic abuse every year and we know how damaging it can be when an abusive partner controls someone’s movements or day to day spending. But just 2 in 5 adults are aware that domestic abuse can include a financial element. We have worked with the Government make sure the new law is effective at helping victims and we are pleased they will continue to invest in tackling domestic abuse. Friends and family are often the only ones who suspect someone is in an abusive relationship, so it is important more people know how to recognise abuse and feel able to suggest specialist help to victims as early as possible.”

Notes to editors

  1. The Citizens Advice service comprises a network of local Citizens Advice, all of which are independent charities, the Citizens Advice consumer service and national charity Citizens Advice. Together we help people resolve their money, legal and other problems by providing information and advice and by influencing policymakers. For more see the Citizens Advice website.
  2. The advice provided by the Citizens Advice service is free, independent, confidential and impartial, and available to everyone regardless of race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, age or nationality.
  3. To get advice online or find your local Citizens Advice in England and Wales, visit citizensadvice.org.uk
  4. You can get consumer advice from the Citizens Advice consumer service on 03454 04 05 06 or 03454 04 05 05 for Welsh language speakers.
  5. Local Citizens Advice in England and Wales advised 2.5 million clients on 6.2 million problems in 2014/15. For full service statistics see our publication Advice trends.
  6. Citizens Advice service staff are supported by more than 21,000 trained volunteers, working at over 2,500 service outlets across England and Wales.