Coercive control in the context of partner abuse: behavioural markers, assessment challenges, and interview approaches

Abstract

Coercively controlling behaviours are highly prevalent in the context of intimate partner violence. However, coercive control often goes undetected because, unlike physical violence, it has not always been recognized as a criminal offence, is often perceived as less severe, and does not produce visible signs of physical violence. This paper outlines the importance of understanding what coercive control is, what coercive control looks like, why it is difficult to identify, and how investigative interviewing approaches can be employed to capture behaviours associated with coercive control when working with individuals who have engaged in partner abuse. Investigative interviewing approaches and motivational interviewing can help uncover coercively controlling behaviours that would otherwise be undetected by police and other justice-involved practitioners. Use of these approaches are illustrated to emphasize the importance of planning and preparation prior to the interview process, establishing rapport, and creating collaborative, non-adversarial relationships between the interviewer and the interviewee. These factors are likely to increase the quantity and quality of information gathered during the interview process, capture the nuances of coercive control, and reduce the likelihood that the interviewee will engage in controlling behaviours that could negatively impact the interview process.