To read this content please select one of the options below:

Exploring how young people in the UK understand coercive control: a qualitative study

Maya Elizabeth Sharma ( Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK)
Elizabeth Paddock ( Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK)
Katy A. Jones ( Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK)

Journal of Criminal Psychology

ISSN: 2009-3829

Article publication date: 12 November 2024

Issue publication date: 2 January 2025

54

Abstract

Purpose

Since the criminalisation of coercive control (CC), there have been a growing number of cases in the UK; however, there continues to be minimal research, understanding and education about this type of abuse. Hence, it is unsurprising that young people are at the highest risk of CC as they enter their first intimate relationships with limited awareness of the risks. The aim of this study is to explore how 16- to 24-year-olds in the UK understand CC in intimate relationships.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 23 young people to explore their knowledge of CC, sources of knowledge and learning opportunities. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to examine the interviews.

Findings

A total of 14 participants had heard of CC. Participants attributed victims and perpetrators behaviour to individual and environmental factors, including societal and gendered expectations. Young people explained that their knowledge came from experiences, online sources and family and friends. However, participants recognised the importance of credible messengers and sources, and some were sceptical of information shared online. Most had not learnt about CC in formal education but expressed the importance of incorporating it into the secondary curriculum.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explore how young people understand CC in the UK. The findings highlight the need for better understanding and formal education around CC, provide a platform for future work and encourage the incorporation of young voices in developing interventions.

Keywords

Citation

Sharma, M.E., Paddock, E. and Jones, K.A. (2025), "Exploring how young people in the UK understand coercive control: a qualitative study", Journal of Criminal Psychology, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 86-104. https://doi.org/10.1108/JCP-08-2024-0075

Publisher

:

Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

Related articles