Law
Coercive control is a criminal offense recognized in Ireland under the Domestic Violence Act 2018. It involves a person knowingly and persistently engaging in behavior that is controlling or coercive, has a serious effect on a relevant person, and would be considered likely to have such an effect by a reasonable person. This behavior can include physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse.
Key aspects of coercive control law in Ireland:
Definition: Section 39 of the Domestic Violence Act 2018 defines coercive control as a pattern of controlling and coercive behavior that has a serious impact on a person's well-being.
Criminal Offense: Engaging in coercive control is a criminal offense, meaning it is a crime for which a person can be prosecuted.
Serious Effect: The behavior must have a serious effect on a "relevant person," which typically refers to an intimate partner. This can include fear of violence, serious alarm or distress, or a substantial adverse impact on their daily activities.
Intent: The offender must knowingly and persistently engage in this behavior.
Penalties: The penalties for coercive control can include imprisonment and fines.
Types of Behavior: Coercive control can manifest in various ways, including threats, humiliation, intimidation, financial control, isolating the victim from support networks, and restricting their freedom of movement or communication.