Controlling and Coercive Behaviour under the microscope

Join us in person to unravel the signs and impact of controlling and coercive behaviour up close!

In today’s world, where conversations about personal autonomy, mental health, and equality are at the forefront, understanding coercive and controlling behaviour (CCB) has never been more relevant. Behind closed doors, countless individuals experience patterns of domination that erode freedom and dignity—often without visible signs of harm. These behaviours challenge traditional notions of abuse and raise profound questions about law, psychology, and justice.

This colloquium seeks to explore CCB through a comparative lens, examining how France and the United Kingdom define, legislate, and adjudicate these complex dynamics. Our journey begins with a thought-provoking exercise: viewing selected clips depicting intimate relationships on screen. We will invite the audience to reflect—is this coercive and controlling behaviour? This interactive opening sets the stage for a deeper dialogue. We are aiming for the discussion to be chaired by a BBC journalist, ensuring a dynamic and accessible exchange. We will then hear from legal experts on both sides of the Channel, who will unpack the statutory frameworks and judicial interpretations shaping responses to CCB. Following this, we would like a psychologist to guide us through the psychological underpinnings—what constitutes CCB, how it manifests, and why it is often invisible until too late. Finally, judges from France and the UK will share their experiences from the bench, offering invaluable insights into the practical challenges of adjudicating these cases.

By bringing together voices from law, psychology, and media, this colloquium aims to illuminate the urgent need for awareness and harmonization in addressing coercive control. In an era where relationships are increasingly scrutinized through the lens of rights and responsibilities, understanding CCB is not just an academic exercise—it is a societal imperative.