Archive for category: Coercive Control

Towels folded the “wrong” way can sound utterly trivial. But inside a wider system of coercion, small rules may tell us something about obedience, autonomy and the consequences of resistance. JSH Law examines Biderman’s Chart of Coercion, what it can help us understand about patterns of domestic abuse, and why it must never be mistaken for proof.

Abuse does not become irrelevant simply because it happened during pregnancy or before a child was born. Reproductive coercion can include contraception interference, forced pregnancy, pressure concerning abortion or reproductive treatment and other conduct designed to undermine reproductive autonomy. This guide explains how such allegations may become relevant in Family Court proceedings, what evidence matters and how to present the history without confusing allegation, evidence and finding.

The CPS has updated its Rape and Serious Sexual Offences guidance, encouraging prosecutors to consider suspects’ past patterns of behaviour where legally admissible. This article explains what bad character evidence is, why the suspect-focused approach matters, and why patterns of abuse are important in both criminal and family court contexts.