Understanding Coercive Control and Domestic Abuse in Mediation

On 1st April 2019, the Scottish Government introduced groundbreaking legislation which recognised the devastating effect of non-physical abuse on victims. The Domestic Abuse (Scotland) Act 2018 criminalised “abusive behaviour towards a partner or ex-partner”, behaviour commonly referred to as Coercive Control.

Coercive control is a purposeful and sustained pattern of behaviour whereby a partner or ex- partner seeks to use power, control and coercion over another. Coercive control is a term developed to help us understand domestic abuse as more than incidents of physical abuse.

This session will enable Mediators to gain an enhanced understanding of coercive control and domestic abuse, exploring and highlighting how coercive control is central to domestic abuse during and post separation and designed to exert and maintain dominance and control over an individual through a range of behaviours and tactics.

The session will support Mediators to reflect on their understanding, and current practice, in working with clients who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. It will enable them to recognise where coercive and controlling behaviour may be present and affecting clients in the mediation process. It will support Mediators to identify how best to respond and put in place strategies for ensuring that Mediation is appropriate and safe for clients and the Mediator.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand coercive control as the central element of domestic abuse and be able to identify how it may present in the tactics and behaviours of perpetrators during and post separation.
• Understand the impact of domestic abuse on those who experience such abuse and how it can affect their behaviour and choices.
• Understand the impact of domestic abuse on children and how abuse and post separation abuse often involves children, economic abuse and abuse of process.
• Identify and develop strategies for safe practice for your clients and you.

Cost: £40 for Scottish Mediation members and £60 for non-members.

This session will take place on Zoom and a link will be sent out nearer the time.

To book this event please click HERE