As a psychotherapist and founder of My Guardian Global, I am pleased to join Connie McLaughin on BBC Scotland Radio to discuss a topic that is both urgent and often misunderstood: coercive control.
What is Coercive Control?
Coercive control is not just about isolated incidents of violence—it is a persistent pattern of psychological manipulation, intimidation, and domination. Unlike physical abuse, coercive control can be subtle and insidious, making it difficult for victims to recognize and for outsiders to detect. It often involves:
- Constant monitoring and surveillance
- Social isolation from friends and family
- Financial restriction and control
- Emotional manipulation and gaslighting
These behaviors are designed to erode a person’s autonomy and self-worth, leaving them feeling trapped and powerless.
The Impact on Victims
The effects of coercive control are profound and long-lasting. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, and a deep sense of entrapment that can persist even after leaving the relationship. The trauma is not always visible, but it is real and can have lasting consequences on mental health and well-being.
The Digital Dimension
In today’s world, coercive control often extends into the digital realm. Location sharing, social media monitoring, and unauthorized access to personal devices can all be tools of abuse. While technology can enhance safety—such as using GPS for children or vulnerable adults—it also poses significant privacy risks. Abusers may exploit digital tools to track, intimidate, or isolate their victims.
How Parental Behaviors Can Normalize Coercive Control
It’s important to recognize that some forms of digital monitoring, especially by parents, can unintentionally normalize coercive behaviors. Many parents/caregivers use location tracking apps or monitor their children’s online activity out of concern for safety. While well-intentioned, this constant surveillance can send a message that monitoring and controlling another person’s movements or communications is acceptable—even loving. Over time, children may come to view such behaviors as normal in relationships, making them more vulnerable to accepting or perpetrating coercive control as adults.
As parents and caregivers, it’s crucial to balance safety with respect for autonomy and privacy. Open conversations about trust, boundaries, and digital citizenship can help children develop healthy expectations for their own relationships in the future.
Legal and Social Progress
There is growing recognition of coercive control within legal frameworks, particularly in places like Australia and the UK. Recent legislative changes reflect a broader societal acknowledgment of the seriousness of this form of abuse.
However, legal recognition is only the first step; awareness and education are crucial for effective intervention.
What Can We Do?
As mental health professionals, it is our responsibility to:
- Recognize the subtle signs of coercive control
- Validate the experiences of those affected
- Incorporate digital safety assessments into our practice
- Advocate for trauma-informed care and robust privacy protections
For individuals and families, it’s important to:
- Regularly review privacy settings on devices and apps
- Be cautious about sharing real-time location or personal information online
- Reflect on our own behaviors and the messages we send about control and privacy
- Seek support if you feel your autonomy is being undermined
A Call for Digital Literacy and Empowerment
At My Guardian Global, we believe that digital literacy and privacy management are essential components of holistic mental health care for children and their families. By empowering individuals to protect their privacy and recognize the signs of coercive control, we can foster safer, healthier relationships—both online and offline.
Thank you for reading, and I look forward to sharing more insights on BBC Scotland Radio at 10:40pm today.
