In a special episode of the Daily Mail's Trial podcast, veteran crime reporters Caroline Cheetham and Nick Fagge interview Dr Emma Katz, a world-leading expert on abusive relationships and coercive control. Dr Katz, a senior lecturer in criminology at Edge Hill University, disclosed that approximately two million domestic abuse cases occur annually in England and Wales, with 97% of those convicted of coercive control being male.
Understanding Coercive Control
Coercive control is a sustained pattern of psychological abuse, isolation, and intimidation designed to strip victims of their independence. Although it became a criminal offence in 2015, nearly 50,000 offences were recorded last year, yet fewer than 900 resulted in convictions.
When asked by co-host Fagge how to identify abuse in a loved one's relationship, Dr Katz advised focusing on the suspected perpetrator's 'actions rather than their words.'
The DARVO Manipulation Strategy
Dr Katz explained that the overwhelming majority of abusers use a psychological tactic known as DARVO—deny, attack, and reverse victim and offender. This calculated three-step manipulation is so common that she describes it as their 'default' behaviour.
'They will deny that they have been abusive. They will attack the credibility and character of the victim to all the people around her who might be able to help,' Dr Katz said. 'For example, saying she's mentally ill, that she's addicted to drink or substances, so that we can't believe a word that she says because she's not credible. Then, they will try to imply that they are the real victim.'
Staggering Suicide Figures
A report by the National Police Chiefs' Council, discussed in the podcast, suggests the true figure could be closer to 1,500 women a year dying by suicide as a result of coercive control. Dr Katz describes leaving an abusive partner as 'one of the most difficult things a human being can ever do.'
She emphasizes that friends and family must remain patient, reminding victims that they are there whenever they are ready. True 'allyship' means resisting frustration and ensuring the victim never feels more isolated.
'The advice I would give is just to be there for them without judgement,' Dr Katz said. 'It takes victims often many attempts to leave before they are able to finally do it. They are resisting huge amounts of psychological abuse and manipulation, as well as physical threats.'
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised, contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247. The line is free and available 24/7.
