Understanding coercive control
Domestic abuse is rarely about isolated incidents — it is about power and control over time.
This training explores coercive control as a pattern of behaviour that traps, silences and harms. You’ll learn how to recognise controlling and coercive behaviours, understand their impact on survivors, and respond in ways that prioritise safety, dignity and care
Understanding coercive control is a full-day in-depth training that explores domestic abuse as a pattern of power, entrapment and control, rather than a series of isolated incidents. It helps participants recognise how coercive control operates over time, how it harms dignity, autonomy and wellbeing, and why it is often missed or misunderstood.
Drawing on established models as Biderman’s Chart of Coercion, the course equips participants to identify coercive and controlling behaviours, understand their traumatic impact, and respond safely to disclosures. It also explores how churches and organisations can unintentionally collude with abuse — and how they can instead become places of safety, truth and restoration.
This training is designed for church leaders, practitioners and anyone supporting those affected by domestic abuse who want a deeper understanding of coercive control and the confidence to respond with compassion, clarity and courage.
It was helpful to be “soaked in” the subject – even if it was hard going – as I was able to begin to really appreciate how difficult it is for the victim to leave, how tricky it is to help without causing problems for the victim. The videos were helpful for a change of voice, and examples of cases were useful to bring it closer to home.