In 2015, England and Wales pioneered the criminalisation of coercive control, a landmark move that recognised abuse as a pattern of behaviour beyond physical violence, including psychological manipulation, isolation, and financial control. However, this law applies only to intimate or family relationships, leaving a significant gap for victims in other settings, such as religious groups, political movements, or gangs. A growing campaign, spearheaded by the Family Survival Trust (FST), seeks to expand this legislation to address coercive control in organisational contexts.
The Legal Gap in Coercive Control Cases
Rachael Reign, a survivor of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), experienced this gap firsthand. After leaving the religious group, she reported allegations of controlling behaviour, including restrictions on clothing and financial pressure, to the police. However, the Metropolitan Police determined that these actions did not constitute criminal offences under current laws. Rachael notes, "If my boyfriend did what my pastor did, I believe police could have investigated it." The UCKG has categorically denied these allegations, stating it does not control members' personal lives or finances.
Alexandra Stein, a psychologist on the FST board, has witnessed similar cases where police express sympathy but lack legal grounds to act. Victims often only have recourse if they can prove crimes like fraud or physical abuse, leaving many without justice. Experts estimate that around 2,000 cults operate in the UK today, ranging from yoga studios to churches, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue.
Historical Context and Current Challenges
Laura Richards, who helped introduce the coercive control law in England and Wales, recalls that during its drafting, there was awareness that such dynamics occur in groups as well as domestic relationships. However, political considerations led to its limitation to intimate settings. Since 2015, while recorded cases have increased tenfold, securing convictions remains difficult, yet the law's existence has raised public awareness about the seriousness of this abuse.
Emrhys Cooper, an actor supporting the FST campaign, shares his family's experience with a so-called "healer" who conducted medical experiments on his mother. Without specific laws, police were unable to intervene. "Had there been a law, we might have been able to protect her," he says. This underscores the potential for expanded legislation to prevent harm before it escalates.
Political Momentum and Opposition
There is slow but growing parliamentary interest in this issue, with discussions about forming an all-party group to examine spiritual and cultic abuse. A documentary on the Jesus Army, a British religious cult, is set to be screened in parliament. However, Home Office minister Sarah Jones has stated that the government does not intend to expand the coercive control law at this time, citing its design for personal relationships.
Malcolm Johnson, a lawyer representing victims, predicts political resistance due to fears of "opening a can of worms" and interference with religious freedoms. Similar laws in France and Australia have faced opposition from religious groups. Despite these obstacles, Johnson argues that coercive control is fundamental to the danger posed by cults and extreme groups.
Alternative Pathways and Survivor Advocacy
In the absence of legislative change, other progress includes updates to CPS guidance on honour-based abuse to include "spiritual abuse" and potential revisions to Prevent or safeguarding policies. Rob and Linda DuBrow-Marshall, who run a master's program in coercive control at Salford University, suggest extending workplace laws to cover all religious groups.
Survivors from various backgrounds unanimously support legal reform, which could facilitate compensation and accountability. For instance, the Jesus Army closed in 2019, with some survivors receiving compensation through a redress scheme, but without legal proceedings, alleged perpetrators might benefit more from asset distribution. Beyond justice, a law change could spark broader societal discussion, challenging misconceptions that victims can simply leave abusive situations.
As one Jesus Army survivor reflects, "The control – that was the worst bit. That's the bit I'm still trying to live with today." This campaign highlights the urgent need to dismantle invisible structures of control, wherever they occur, to protect vulnerable individuals across the UK.
