Coercive control reports more than doubled in North Wales since 2018

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

North Wales Police recorded 1,115 coercive and controlling behaviour offences in 2025, more than treble the 404 recorded in 2018.

North Wales Police has released figures showing coercive and controlling behaviour offences have more than trebled in seven years. Officers recorded 404 such offences under Section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015 in 2018, rising to a peak of 1,177 in 2021. Reports have since remained above 1,100 annually, with 1,115 recorded in 2025.

Coercive or controlling behaviour is defined as a pattern of actions intended to control, isolate, intimidate or dominate another person, typically causing significant psychological and emotional harm. It is treated as a form of domestic abuse.

Men account for the overwhelming majority of suspects. In 2025, police recorded 860 male suspects and 164 female suspects, meaning men were around five times more likely than women to be recorded as suspects. Most reported cases involved a male suspect and a female victim: 868 in 2025 compared with 117 involving a female suspect and male victim. Arrests have also increased significantly, from 136 in 2018 to 435 in 2025.

However, relatively few cases result in charges. Just 30 of the 1,115 reported offences, or 2.7%, resulted in a charge for coercive and controlling behaviour, rising to 4.8% when alternative offences are included. Victim withdrawal and evidential difficulties accounted for the majority of outcomes.

How it is being reported

• Coercive control reports more than doubled in North Wales since 2018, figures showIt's according to figures released by North Wales PoliceNorth Wales Pioneer · 18 Oct, 05:41
• Coercive control reports more than doubled in North Wales since 2018, figures showIt's according to figures released by North Wales PoliceNorth Wales Chronicle · 18 Oct, 05:41

In this story: North Wales Police · North Wales

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